Meet the Committee

Network Executive Sponsor:
Sue Harris - Executive Director of Strategy and Partnerships

"In Armed Forces week I am really pleased to highlight the Trust’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant which we re-confirmed in 2020 after the Herefordshire Mental Health Services transferred to the organisation. In March 2021 we received the bronze award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) which demonstrates the practical ways that as an NHS organisation we seek to support those in the Armed forces community such as spouses and dependants in the workplace.

We are also supporting greater liaising with TILs (Transition, Intervention and Liaison services) and expanded multi agency case work in both Worcestershire building on the successful mental health input and in Herefordshire multi agency network meetings. Through the Armed Forces Network we are striving to maintain the progress of the last 12 months, including the Step into Health pledge and greater collaboration with other agencies to provide timely support, both for our staff, our patients and their families."

Network Chair
Samantha Boatema-Cooke,  Equality Diversity and Inclusion Lead

"As a spouse of a member of the armed forces, I am keen to ensure that all people who are part of the Armed Forces community are treated with due regard and respect; this extends through the workforce and patients, to those who have and continue to support those of us who are in the armed forces community.

The creation of the Armed Forces Staff Network while ensuring that we as a trust uphold our commitment to the Armed forces Covenant and Veteran aware are only a few ways in which I personally will ensure we as a community are not forgotten and are celebrated and supported."

Network Co Chair
Ally Middleton - Head of Education & Clinical Development

I served in PMRAFNS (Princess Mary’s Royal Air Force Nursing Service) from 2004 – 2016.  I worked in various clinical posts, in the UK and Overseas including multiple deployments to Afghanistan (2010, 2013, 2014) and Iraq (2009). Most of my clinical time in the UK was spent in the QE hospital in Birmingham looking after injured service personnel, and I was also privileged to have a posting to TPMH in Cyprus. I have also deployed on Aeromed Sqns, and with various Army field hospitals, operationally and on various training exercises. The latter part of my career was spent in training, at Keogh Barracks, later DMS Lichfield, and in the Defence School of Healthcare Education at Birmingham City University. I joined the Trust in July 2017 as a Clinical Project Manager and started in my current role in August 2020. 

Network member
Rebecca Williams - Community Psychiatric Nurse

I have not served in the armed forces myself, but spent my formative years as an army cadet, I then went on to become an instructor with them for around seven years, and subsequently ended up with much of my friendship group being ex-military, from seeing the ongoing issues this caused people, it because the driving force for me going off to train as a mental health nurse (however once I qualified, I sadly didn’t have time to go out with the cadets anymore!)

My partner is still serving, 22 years in, and is currently a CSM in the REME, based at Lyneham

Network member
Lynne Williams - Consultant Counselling Psychologist

I am part of the Armed Forces Strategy Group as I have worked psychologically with veterans from the armed forces community. I have worked with individuals who have experienced mental health difficulties, particularly PTSD. From this work I have seen the high level of trauma that can be experienced; the impact that this can have on an individual’s mental health and that for many there is a path to recovery.