Health Squad has been supporting the Veterans Group at Bishop Auckland Football Club since September 2024.
Initially the team supported the group with mini health assessments, which include the measurement of height, weight, BMI (Body Mass Index) waist to hip ratios, blood pressure, pulse, and a diabetes risk assessment. From April 2025, the team began carrying out full health assessments for the group. These assessments offered additional free cholesterol testing, and where appropriate, diabetes testing, plus a FeNo breathing test which can identify asthma.
Through these regular visits and increased services, the Health Squad team and the Veterans Group have developed a close-knit relationship.
Cathryn, South Locality Coordinator, then supported the group with an application for the English Veterans Award in the category of Best Group. With Cathryn’s support, and the group’s strong sense of community, they were shortlisted and invited to the finals and succeeded by winning Silver.
Showing the close ties between Health Squad and the Veterans Group, Cathryn was invited to their annual luncheon earlier this month. Wonderfully, this was to celebrate the 7-year anniversary of the group.
Also present at the event were The Lord Lieutenant Dame Sue Snowdon, Joy Allen, Police and Crime Commissioner, and the Director of Durham County Council.
Take a look at some of the lovely photos from the celebration.
Health Squad is part of Adult Wellbeing Services and is delivered in partnership by County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) and the Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP).