18 June 2026

This week is a chance to show your support for the people who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving personnel to service families, veterans, cadets and the bereaved.

There are plenty of ways to get involved, and we’ll be marking the week at CNWL with personalised training sessions, career coaching for cadets, alongside a range of reflections from colleagues.

Cadet career coaching session with CNWL coaches

Cadets across London are invited to join CNWL career coaches, Lubna and Susan, for an interactive one-hour online workshop.

Taking place on Monday 22 June at 6.30pm, the session will explore career options, including NHS roles such as nursing, allied health professions and apprenticeships.

Who’s it for?

  • Cadets across London – aged 16 and over

What to expect

  • Practical tips on using your cadet experience in applications and interviews
  • Live role play examples
  • Ideas to help you think about your future career and training options

Lubna and Susan are experienced CNWL career coaches who regularly support staff with career development and interview skills.

To get the most out of the session, please join on a device with a camera and sound. To join, please contact: susan.holtom@nhs.net

Personal reflections for Armed Forces Week

13 Bridges Challenge

On behalf of CNWL, Annabel Butcher, our Head of People - Projects and Strategy, is taking part in the 13 Bridges Challenge in support of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

On 27 June 2026 she will be walking 10 miles across 13 iconic bridges in London, to celebrate National Armed Forces Day and raise vital funds to support our Armed Forces Community. 

A personal reflection for Armed Forces Week

I’m Dr John Hutchins, a Consultant Community Paediatrician from Ealing Community Partners, and I wanted to share a personal reflection.

Although most people know me as John, that’s actually my middle name. My first name is Kenneth, given in memory of my uncle, K C Hutchins, who was killed in the Second World War. He is remembered on the war memorial in Ealing, by the gates of Walpole Park.

john hutchins - armed forces.jpg

Each year, I visit the memorial to pay my respects. Alongside the traditional red poppy, I also place a white poppy as a symbol of peace.

At work, I offer white poppies for anyone who would like one, with a simple message: you can remember those who served and also reflect on peace — the two aren’t in conflict. For me, this is about recognising that people hold different personal views shaped by their own experiences. We may not all see things the same way, but it’s important that we respect those differences.

As we mark Armed Forces Week, it feels like a good moment to reflect — not only on service and sacrifice, but also on understanding and respecting one another, even when views differ.

From Navy to NHS: Tommy’s journey

Tommy Horrell joined CNWL in 2025.. Before that, he spent years in the Armed Forces, starting when he was just 17.

Read Tommy’s story

Familiarise yourself with the organisations that provide advice and support 

These pages include information about local events and organisations who provide a range of support services, including breakfast clubs and veteran drop-in sessions:

Pride in our Armed Forces

June is Pride Month – a time to recognise the progress made for LGBT+ rights and to celebrate the contribution of LGBTQ+ communities.

We also want to recognise LGBTQ+ veterans, serving personnel and their families – especially those affected by the ‘gay ban’, which wasn’t lifted until 12 January 2000. Before then, many people were forced out of the Armed Forces after serving with pride.

Being part of both the Armed Forces and LGBTQ+ communities can feel challenging, particularly during Pride Month. If you’d like someone to talk to, Fighting With Pride is here to help. It’s a lived-experience charity offering support, advice and resources and they can also provide talks for teams.

The LGBT Foundation’s Operation Equality is another source of support. This befriending service connects trained volunteers with members of the Armed Forces community who identify as LGBTQ+, offering a safe, friendly space for a regular chat.

You can find out more here:

Support for the Armed Forces community