Veterans living at Parkside Residential Care Home in Maryport will benefit from enhanced support and recognition after the home achieved Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) status, becoming the first Cumberland Council home to receive the accreditation.
The Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) helps care homes better understand and meet the practical, emotional and social needs of veterans and the wider Armed Forces community. To achieve the accreditation, homes must identify veterans in their care, reduce social isolation and help residents access specialist support and services.
Parkside’s application was praised by assessors for its high standard, recognising the team’s commitment to person-centred care and strong links with the Armed Forces community. The accreditation reflects the home’s dedication to delivering outstanding care for veterans and will remain in place until its next review in 2028.
Kathryn Glass, VFF Project Lead at Royal Star & Garter, said:
"We’re delighted that Parkside Care Home in Maryport has achieved VFF status, reflecting their ongoing dedication to providing high-quality, person-centred care for veteran residents and their partners. This recognition highlights their commitment to continuous learning and improvement, ensuring that those who have served feel understood, respected, and supported. Through this programme, both current and future residents, as well as staff at Parkside, will benefit from the resources, guidance, and connection to the armed forces community. This will continue to ensure that staff gain a deeper understanding of the unique experiences of veterans and their partners, enabling them to provide even more compassionate and meaningful support."
Cllr Lisa Hinton, Cumberland Council Executive Member for Adult Social Care, and lead member for the Armed Forces Covenant, said:
"We are incredibly proud that Parkside Care Home has become the first Cumberland Council care home to achieve Veteran Friendly Framework status. This accreditation reflects the dedication of the team to providing high-quality, person-centred care that recognises and values the experiences of our Armed Forces community.
“Veterans have made a significant contribution to our country and it is important that, as they get older, they receive care and support that acknowledges their service and understands their unique needs. This achievement also demonstrates Cumberland Council's ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and to ensuring veterans living in our communities are supported, respected and able to live well."