The Armed Forces community across North Wales is set to benefit from a new Health Board programme, launching today. 

The programme, called the North Wales Veterans Healthcare Collaborative (NWVHC), has been launched ahead of Armed Forces Day, to demonstrate Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s (BCUHB)  commitment in becoming an Exemplar Forces Friendly organisation. 

The Health Board has been successful in a funding bid to the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT), to deliver this new programme.

READ MORE: Here's how Armed Forces Day was celebrated in Wrexham

Army Veteran Zoe Roberts, has been appointed as the dedicated lead for the NWVHC. Zoe served in the British Army as a Human Resources Specialist between 2001-2010, across Northern Ireland and UK mainland. 

Zoe said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to this much-needed role within Betsi and I am proud to lead this programme in supporting our North Wales’ Armed Forces community. 

“I am excited to assist in improving the experience of the Armed Forces community by helping the Health Board become a ‘Veteran Aware’ organisation; this will ensure that those who serve, or who have served within our Armed Forces, including their families, will feel appropriately supported."

READ MORE: Parades, exhibitions and shows: Wales Armed Forces Day celebration in Wrexham

The Health Board has also signed the new Step into Health pledge, which aims to support career opportunities for members of the Armed Forces community. 

Dr Nick Lyons, executive medical director and the executive champion in the Health Board for the Armed Forces community, said: “It’s an honour to support this initiative that recognises the important role that veterans can play in bringing their skills and experience to serve patients in the NHS."

For further information, advice or support accessing BCUHB services as a veteran, click here.