Our National Health Service now has a set of services specifically for former Armed Forces personnel in need.
The first of these is Op Courage and provides dedicated mental health services for veterans, reservists and those about to leave the services.
These were formally available under 3 different systems, but as of 1st April 2023, have been amalgamated.
The second is called Op Restore and helps all Forces leavers who have experienced any physical problems whether or not this is related to your time serving.
You can find details of both these services via the following link:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/commissioning/armed-forces/nationally-commissioned-services/
You will need to be referred by your GP, so it’s a good idea to register as a veteran when you attend your local primary care trust. I have no idea of the wait times involved, but I truly hope those who need counselling can get access to someone on a weekly level as a minimum rather than the one month I was quoted.
If you or someone you know have/has accessed any of the above services and could share your/their experience, please comment below. It would help others to get a perspective on what is available in practice and adjust their expectations accordingly. Thank you.
