Veterans

If you have served in the armed forces, tell us. It can help you get the right care and support for any health problems linked to your service.

You count as a veteran if you served for at least one day in the regular or reserve armed forces, or as a Merchant Navy seafarer on a vessel supporting military operations.

Tell us you are a veteran

We are a veteran-friendly accredited practice.

• Tell reception you are a veteran, however long ago you left, so we can add it to your record.
• If you have recently left the forces, bring any paperwork from your military medical centre, including your medical records, so we can update your NHS record.
• Tell your GP if you think a health problem may be linked to your service.

Mental health support

• Op COURAGE, the NHS mental health service for veterans and people leaving the forces, North of England: call 0300 373 3332 or email [email protected]. You can refer yourself.
• Combat Stress helpline, for veterans and their families: 0800 138 1619, free, 24 hours a day

If you need urgent help for your mental health, call 111 and choose option 2. In an emergency, call 999.

Other support

• Veterans Gateway (opens the Veterans Gateway website): help with housing, money, work and wellbeing for veterans and their families
• Healthcare for the armed forces community on the NHS website (opens the NHS website)
• Headfit (opens the Headfit website): online mental fitness tools for the armed forces community