Airedale NHS Foundation Trust’s Armed Forces Advocate, Martin Flint-Johnson, received bronze at the English Veterans Awards 2023.
The English Veterans Awards took place at the Village Hotel in Bristol on Thursday 21 September and celebrated the work of Military Veterans, Reservists and companies that are going above and beyond to support the veteran community in England.
Martin was one of the final seven nominees who were shortlisted for Inspiration of the Year and took home bronze in the category on the night.
The Inspiration of the Year award recognises individuals who have a passion for progress and have inspired others within the community and the workplace.
The ex-serviceman joined Airedale NHS Foundation Trust as the Armed Forces Advocate in November 2022 and is passionate about removing some of the barriers for the 17,000 veterans in the local area and their families.
In his role, Martin works to identify veterans or serving personnel that come into the hospital and engages with local communities, organisations and charities to see if additional support is available for them.
Over the last nine months, Martin has also been raising the profile of the Armed Forces by training staff on veteran-specific needs to ensure that the community are supported and never disadvantaged when receiving care.
Martin said:
“It’s an honour to have been shortlisted for Inspiration of the Year as it means that my work is making a real difference.
“Knowing that there are currently 1.85 million people within the UK Armed Forces community to be recognised, I’m incredibly proud to just to have been nominated, never mind receiving the bronze award.”
Prior to his time at the Trust, Martin served in the Army with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers for 10 years, on both active service and peacekeeping tours around the world.
“The last nine months have been a steep learning curve as it is my first time working in the NHS,” says Martin.
“I would like to thank all the staff at the Trust for their support, help and guidance. I would not have been able to do my role without them.”
