A MENTAL health nurse has been recognised for helping the armed forces community.

Martin Diver, from Crawley, served with 2nd Battalion, Royal Anglian Regiment before leaving in 2000 to train as a nurse.

Since joining Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in 2015, Martin has worked hard to use his skills as a mental health nurse to support people in Sussex who serve in the armed forces.

He has also been a big help to their families as well.

Martin was instrumental in setting up the Sussex Partnership NHS Armed Forces Community which provides peer-led support through drop-ins, events and social activities for serving or former military personnel across the county.

As an ex-member of the armed forces, Martin has a keen understanding of the importance of mental wellbeing and the support needed for current serving members of the armed forces and veterans.

His hard work also led to Sussex Partnership being one of the first mental health trusts in the country being credited for making sure veterans can access care.

He has also made sure staff are trained to deal with their specific needs.

Martin has now been shortlisted for the Soldiering On Award, recognising his contribution to supporting members of the armed forces community with their mental health.

Martin said: “I am very humbled by the nomination.

“We work very closely with armed forces veteran’s breakfast clubs, Royal British Legion drop-ins and other support groups offering a substantial recovery programme to veterans, families and carers using our mental health services.

“I am absolutely thrilled and amazed at the nomination.”

The Soldiering On Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of those who have served their country, and those who work together in support of the Armed Forces Community.

Martin was invited to a reception at the House of Commons to mark 20 years since the ban on lesbian, gay or bisexual people serving in the British Army.

Martin said the event was fantastic in order to see people face to face and talk about changes in recent decades.

He said: ‘It was great to be able to meet with veterans and serving military personnel, share stories and see the progress that has been made in the past 20 years.

“Attitudes are much more enlightened.

“This allows serving LGBT personnel to be more like themselves and carry out their duties without fear of arrest and discharge from the military.”

The shortlisting comes after Martin won the Gold Award for Partnership in practice at the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s annual Positive Practice Awards last year.

That award goes to an individual or team who “works collaboratively, understands we can’t do it on our own, builds honest and fruitful relationships and finds ways to work with others for the benefit of patients”.

Winners will be announced for the Soldiering On Awards at a gala dinner and awards ceremony on April 24.