Recognition for supporting our veterans
We’re committed to supporting our colleagues and patients who have served in the armed forces and are delighted that our efforts have been formally recognised by the Ministry of Defence.
Earlier this month Natalie Herring, our Deputy Chief Nurse, and Laura Fuller, Deputy Director of People, accepted the Silver Employee Relations Scheme (ERS) award on behalf of our organisation at the Devon Lord-Lieutenant awards night.
The Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) aims to encourage organisations across the UK to publicly demonstrate their commitment to support members of the Armed Forces Community.
The awards recognise positive actions taken by our organisation to ensure that members of the Armed Forces community are not unfairly disadvantaged during recruitment and are supported in the workplace. The different award levels are indicative of different levels of commitment, with the ERS Gold award being the highest level of recognition an organisation can receive.
A huge amount of work has taken place during the past few years to get to this point, and we’re so proud of everyone who has been involved and supported this work, including our colleagues Nick Payne, Bev Vicary, Yas Bolton and Steph Robey.
Stoptober 2025: Take the first step towards a healthier, smoke-free
October might nearly be over, but it’s never too late to get help to quit smoking. Public Health Consultant Dr Rory Honney is encouraging Torbay’s one in five smokers to join the 2.5million people across the country who have quit for good.
He said: “Smoking continues to be the single biggest preventable cause of illness and death, claiming around 64,000 lives a year in England, but the good news is it’s never too late to quit.
“Every October, Stoptober challenges smokers to give up for 28 days and evidence shows if you can make it that far, you’re five times more likely to quit for good. You’ll feel the benefits immediately, and within days your body begins to heal, and within weeks you’ll notice improvements in breathing, circulation, and energy levels.”
Quitting also reduces the risk of serious illness, including heart disease, stroke, respiratory illnesses, and cancer.
You’ll also feel the benefits in your wallet too, with the average smoker saving more than £2,000 a year – money that could go towards holidays, hobbies, or activities.
Dr Honney adds: “Quitting can be tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. The Your Health Torbay Stop Smoking Service provides free, flexible, and confidential support. Advisors can help you create a personal quit plan and offer nicotine replacement therapies or medications — free for those who don’t pay for prescriptions.
“Whether it’s your first quit attempt or your tenth, this is your chance to take control, save money, and improve your health. You don’t have to quit alone, let’s quit together.”
To find local help, visit Your Health Torbay.
You can also download the Smoke Free app and get six months access to experienced stop smoking advisors, available 24/7, and your choice of a vape or nicotine replacement delivered to your door: Smoke Free App – Subscription Activation
Digital tools and national support
There’s lots of enhanced digital tools to help keep you motivated, including:
- The Stoptober app, with daily motivation, a progress tracker, and a savings calculator.
- Access to peer support networks and online communities where people share tips, celebrate milestones, and support one another.
- Tailored online resources, including text message reminders, email coaching, and WhatsApp support.
Visit the NHS Better Health – Quit Smoking hub