The recognition comes as the UK marks Armed Forces Day on 27 June 2026, a national opportunity to celebrate and thank serving personnel, veterans, reservists and military families for their contribution to the country.
The Veteran Friendly Framework supports care homes across England to better meet the practical, emotional and social needs of veterans and the wider Armed Forces community.
To achieve the accreditation, Hampshire County Council-run Bickerley Green, which is home to up to 60 residents, met a series of standards designed to ensure veterans are recognised, understood and supported throughout their care journey. These standards include:
- Identifying Armed Forces status within care plans.
- Helping to reduce social isolation.
- Strengthening links with specialist organisations and local support networks such as the Royal British Legion and veteran community groups.
The award makes Bickerley Green the first council care home in Hampshire to receive the recognition.
Councillor Zoe Huggins, Executive Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, Hampshire County Council, said: “Bickerley Green’s achievement is a fantastic example of the compassionate and person-centred care we want to see across Hampshire’s care services.
“Hampshire has deep and longstanding ties with the Armed Forces community, and we are proud to support the many veterans, serving personnel and families who call the county home. Through our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, we want to ensure those who have served are treated with understanding, respect and fairness when accessing services.
“By becoming Veteran Friendly accredited, the team at Bickerley Green have shown real dedication to recognising residents’ experiences and ensuring veterans receive the tailored support, connection and recognition they deserve. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in achieving this important milestone.”
The home has developed longstanding links with Ringwood’s Veteran’s Hub and the local Royal British Legion branch, helping residents who have served in the Armed Forces remain connected with fellow veterans and continue participating in the wider veteran community. Staff at the home have also undertaken specialist training through the framework to deepen their understanding of the unique experiences of veterans and ensure residents receive more tailored and proactive support.
Achieving the accreditation has also helped staff identify the wider range of support available to veterans and strengthened the home’s approach to delivering care that reflects residents’ life experiences and service.
Resident Terry Amos, 94, served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) in the 1950s and is a recent arrival at Bickerley Green. Terry said: “The people here are kind, everybody looks after me and treats me in a friendly way. They are enthusiastic that I like to go to veteran’s group once a week on a Friday. I hadn’t realised until I came here that there was this tie with veterans, so that’s something that pleases me.”