Veterans’ mental health nurse named as finalist in national awards

A mental health nurse from Lincolnshire who supports armed forces veterans has been shortlisted in national awards.

Lyndsay Khan, Team Manager for Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s (LPFT) Veterans’ Mental Health Transition, Intervention and Liaison Service (TILs) has been shortlisted for an English Veterans Award in the Role Model of the Year category.

Supporting the armed forces community with their health has always been a priority for Lyndsay. She served over 13 years with the Princess Mary’s Royal Airforce Nursing Service (PMRAFNS) Royal Air Force, prior to her work with LPFT. Since joining the Trust, Lyndsay has led on several important projects to raise awareness of mental health problems in the armed forces community, and to ensure that veterans experiencing ill mental health come forward to receive support.

Paula Jelly, Regional Veterans Lead, nominated Lyndsay for the award.

Paula said:

During Lyndsay’s time with the team I have received positive feedback from veterans who have accessed our service. These include compliments about her attitude, experience and passion for her work.
I have witnessed first-hand Lyndsay’s absolute commitment to her role. Lyndsay joined the team from the RAF and therefore brings a wealth of knowledge and experience about life in the military and also understands the process of transition into the wider community.
Lyndsay is a real asset to the team and the Trust; I feel extremely lucky to have her as part of our service.

Lyndsay explained her elation at finding out she had been nominated.

She said:

I am absolutely blown away by this nomination and still can’t quite believe that I am a finalist. I feel strongly that we have a duty to support those who have developed mental health problems in the line of duty whilst serving their country, and I am proud to work for a Trust that not only invests in employing veterans such as myself, but recognises the importance of supporting veterans with their mental health.
I am so grateful to Paula for the nomination and for the support and guidance she has given me since I made my own transition from the military to civilian nursing. I love my job and to get this recognition is just amazing.

The English Veterans Awards recognise the armed forces veterans that have made the transition from the military to civilian life and who have gone above and beyond and excelled in their relevant fields.

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 25 September 2019 at the Mercure Holland House, Bristol.

For more information about veterans’ mental health services please go to veterans service page>>