- Additional mental health services to be rolled out to
veterans through Op COURAGE
- Support will be tailored to those dealing with complex mental
or physical trauma or alcohol and substance misuse
- Dedicated care co-ordinators will be appointed to reduce
suicide rates
Armed Forces veterans, including those who served in Afghanistan,
will benefit from additional mental health support backed by £2.7
million for Op COURAGE – the Veterans’ Mental Health and
Wellbeing Service.
Health and Social Care Secretary has today
(31 August) announced an expansion of services to support those
experiencing complex mental and/or physical trauma, or alcohol
and substance misuse.
Dedicated care co-ordinators will be appointed to act as a single
point of contact to better support veterans with complex mental
and physical trauma. They will help them to navigate the health
and care system, consult with health and care professionals, with
the ultimate aim of reducing suicide rates within the veteran
community.
Health and Social Care Secretary
said:
“Our serving Armed Forces and veterans represent the very best of
us, with recent events in Afghanistan yet another reminder of
their dedication and sacrifice.
“Op COURAGE already provides excellent support for veterans’
mental health, but I know there is more we can do to get the
right care and treatment to those who have given up so much to
protect us.
“This new funding will ensure support is in place where it is
needed most, recognising the unique challenges veterans face.”
This additional funding builds on the significant mental health
support provided by NHS England in recognition of the unique
needs of veterans and the challenges they face, including through
the Veterans’ Trauma Network and Op COURAGE which has already
received over 16,000 referrals to date.
It is estimated 38,000 members of the Armed Forces community,
including veterans, suffer from alcohol and substance misuse. The
funding will ensure dedicated substance misuse services are
integrated as part of Op COURAGE, making it as easy as possible
to access support.
Defence Secretary said:
“The campaign in Afghanistan was incredibly challenging but our
personnel displayed the highest levels of bravery and
professionalism whilst securing the rights and freedoms of
millions.
“Many of our people experienced things they will never forget,
and we remain committed to supporting this veteran community
through Op COURAGE. We are forever indebted to the heroics and
sacrifice of our service personnel and veterans, and pledge to
ensure they receive any support they need.”
Minister for Defence People and Veterans said:
"This targeted increase of support will help those veterans who
may be struggling, particularly in light of recent events in
Afghanistan.
"For those who served in Afghanistan, and for all former service
personnel, mental health support is available through Op Courage.
"I urge any veteran to access this specialist support."
ENDS
Notes to editors
If you are struggling as a result of the recent events in
Afghanistan, there is support available
across the United Kingdom for veterans and those affected:
- In England, veterans and their families in England can get
specialist help from the NHS Op COURAGE
service.
- In Wales, you can reach out to Veteran Therapists in each
Local Health Board through Veteran Wales.
- In Scotland, veterans can access veteran-led mental health
and welfare support through Veterans First
Point, part of NHS Scotland.
- In Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland
Veterans’ Support Office links individual veterans,
veterans’ groups, statutory and non-statutory bodies, and
charities supporting veterans.
- Anyone in the UK or overseas can also contact the Veterans’ Gateway
helpline on 0808 802 1212, or visit the website for advice and
signposting to further support, including for families and the
bereaved.
