Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) has pledged its support to the armed forces by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

Chief executive, Sally Morris, and director of people and culture, Sean Leahy, signed the covenant honouring servicemen, veterans and their families last month.

The covenant recognises EPUT as an armed forces-friendly organisation that aims to treat all members with fairness, respect and tailored treatment for those injured or bereaved.

EPUT also runs the Transition, Intervention and Liaison Service (TILS) for military veterans across East Anglia.

TILS aims to re-integrate service users into everyday life by helping them with mental health needs and access to therapy for anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress.

Former soldier David Powell is now the regional lead for TILS based at The Lakes in Colchester, he said: “Serious trauma can have a devastating effect on the lives of service men and women and I am proud of the support the Trust offers those who find themselves discharged during service or who experience mental health problems later in life.

“Signing the covenant is our way of showing our commitment to offering the best possible service to the armed forces community. They have, after all, given everything for us.”