NHS Highland Dental Services has been crowned one of the UK’s most supportive public service employers of the Armed Forces community by the National Celebrating Forces Families Awards.

The team won the Public Service Award, which was new for 2024.

Over the past two years, the NHS Highland Dental Services team have gone above and beyond to support service families as they move into and out of the area in response to hearing the challenges that service families face.

Through the Child Smile initiative, the team have provided outreach to service children’s families and can now quickly react to improve access to services.

The Celebrating Forces Families Awards, held on April 26, 2024, at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in London, recognised the incredible strength, dedication, and achievements of the UK’s Armed Forces families.

The event is the only one of its kind within the Armed Forces Network. It celebrates the invaluable support these families provide to serving members and the entire military community.

Antony Cotton, an actor and SSAFA ambassador, co-presented the awards alongside Forces News presenter Sian Grzeszczyk.

The evening attracted 673 attendees, demonstrating its widespread appeal. Two-hundred and forty people joined in person for the night, and 433 people from around the world joined through the livestream.

Phil Hally, a vice admiral and chief of Defence People, said, “Great to see the awards growing with success year after year, celebrating the important achievement our armed forces families make to the wider community. Thank you.”

The competition this year was fierce, and NHS Highland Dental Services was one of 33 exceptional finalists shortlisted from a large pool of nominees. Each finalist possessed an inspiring story of resilience, accomplishment, or community service, making them all truly deserving of recognition.

Sarah Walker, Chair of the CFF Awards, said, “The night was incredibly humbling. It was fantastic to meet our finalists and hear all about their inspiring achievements. Huge congratulations to this year's winners, and we thank you for all your contributions to the armed forces community.”

Author: