What is a Military Veteran?

• Anyone who has served in the Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve) for at least 1 day.

or

• Merchant Navy seafarers/fishers who served in a vessel operated to facilitate military operations by the Armed Forces

Making us aware that you are a Military Veteran (Ex-Forces) can lead to earlier identification of possible physical and mental health service-related issues and improved access to appropriate treatment/support.

What you can do?

• Regardless of when you left the military, please inform our reception team so that we can update your records and help you to access the most appropriate support and care for any military related health conditions.

• If you have recently left the military, it is important to provide us with any paperwork (including military medical records) given to you by the miliary medical centre so that your NHS health records can be updated.

• Notify your GP if you feel that a particular health issue may be related to your previous Armed Forces service.

Military Veteran (Ex-Forces) specific support

The NHS has a dedicated webpage for healthcare of the armed forces community.

Veterans Gateway

Veterans Gateway is the first point of contact for Military Veteran (Ex-forces) and their families to access help and information from a network of veteran specific organisations. They can be contacted 24/7 for help across housing, mental wellbeing, health and finances.

Telephone: 08088021212

Text: 81212

You can also email and online chat through their website.

Op-Courage

Operation Courage is the Veteran’s mental health and wellbeing service. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or wellbeing, expert help is available whether you’re due to leave the armed forces, have just left or left many years ago. You can contact the service yourself or ask your GP, a charity or someone else, such as a family member or friend, to do this for you.

Telephone: 0800 652 2867

Email: VTILS@cntw.nhs.net

Combat Stress

Combat Stress is the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health. The first step for you to access our services is to contact our 24-hour Helpline 0800 138 1619.

24-hour Helpline: 08001381619

Text: 07537173683 (standard charges may apply for texts)

Email: helpline@combat stress.org.uk

Further information here

Headfit

Headfit is an online mental fitness tool designed specifically for the armed forces community.