NHS England and NHS Improvement has launched a survey to find out people’s views and experiences of veterans mental and physical health services. The information gathered will be used to help inform the development and provision of these services in the future. As part of this exercise, they would particularly like to hear people’s views and experiences of Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service, as well as the Veterans Trauma Network (VTN), which is for Service-related physical health conditions. 

You can share your views and experiences by completing a survey, which anyone can complete, however, they are particularly keen to hear from:

• people who have served in the UK Armed Forces (reservist or regular) and have used or are currently using NHS veterans’ services in England
• veterans with a mental and/or physical health condition who have not sought or received healthcare, treatment or support
• Service leavers
• family members and carers of the above
• staff and organisations that are providing healthcare, treatment or support for veterans and their families.

Visit here to complete the survey, which closes on 22 May 2022. For further information, please email england.armedforceshealth@nhs.net.

The High Intensity Service (East of England) provides a specialist service for those who have served in the regular armed forces or as a reservist in the British Military and their families, offering intensive mental health support if and when a veteran needs it.

It provides rapid access to an assessment and intensive support package for veterans who are experiencing a mental health crisis, ensuring a comprehensive approach to meet your needs and includes support for families and carers. It works collaboratively with local mental health teams to ensure you receive a military-sensitive and enhanced package of support. It also works alongside other NHS services to enhance the mental health care a veteran would already receive.

There is no self-referral route but you can ask your GP or other health professional to refer you.

Veterans High Intensity Service.pdf

In addition 24 hour emotional support is available via the Mental Health Matters support line for veterans and their carers:-

0800 519 2702

The reports and images of the atrocities unfolding in the Ukraine over the past weeks may be “triggering” in those who have served. Some may find the news about the current conflict overwhelming. Recognition and awareness of this is important in providing appropriate care and support for our veteran patients. Veterans who find their mental health and wellbeing affected by the war can seek specialist support through Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service and the Veterans’ Gateway.

We are proud to support our Armed Forces community.

As a Veteran Friendly GP Practice we:

• Have a clinical lead for veteran health

• Ask patients ‘Have you served?’ to identify veteran patients

• Support veteran patients to access dedicated health services

• Undertake specialist training to meet the health commitments of the Armed Forces Covenant

If you are a veteran patient, please let us know that you have served so that we can make sure that we understand your health needs. Nearly 1,100 practices are now Veteran Friendly accredited. To find out more about the Veteran Friendly Practices accreditation scheme, visit rcgp.org.uk/veterans

The Veteran Friendly Practices accreditation scheme is run by the Royal College of General Practitioners in partnership with NHS England and NHS Improvement.

If you are an Armed Forces veteran registered with a GP and struggling with your mental health or wellbeing, expert help is available from the NHS ‘Op COURAGE’ veterans mental health and wellbeing service, for service leavers, reservists, veterans and their families.