NHS expands veterans mental health support as more than half struggle to ask for help
Mental health support for military veterans is to be expanded following a survey that found most former personnel struggle to speak about their problems.
As a result, the NHS has redesigned Op Courage, a specialist service that supports serving personnel who are due to leave the military, reservists, Armed Forces veterans, and their families.
It will focus on boosting self-referrals, as well as enhancing addiction support and a new awareness campaign will also shine a spotlight on Op Courage.
"This sets them up to provide a non-judgmental service and build trust with those seeking help," said Dr Jonathan Leach, NHS England's associate medical director for armed forces and veterans' health.
A survey carried out between April and May 2022 received 3,095 responses from veterans, serving personnel, reservists, their family members, and carers.
Its purpose was to collect views on veterans' mental and physical health services.
Of those who responded, 52% said they had a current or previous mental health problem and 60% said they found it difficult to ask for help.
There are an estimated 2.4 million veterans living in the UK.
Responding to NHS England’s announcement Royal British Legion Campaigns, Policy and Research Director Angela Kitching said: "The Royal British Legion welcomes NHS England's commitment to do more to support veterans.
"Any steps that ease the anguish that some veterans and their families experience will make a difference.
"However, no new resources have been offered to address the twin challenges faced by many veterans of mental health concerns and substance dependency issues.
"The inconsistent patchwork of care across the country, where location determines the availability and quality of treatments, must be addressed.
"Driving down the wait for support that veterans and their families face must be a key part of this new approach.
"The Royal British Legion will continue to work with the NHS and partners across government to ensure that veterans and their families receive the mental health and substance support they vitally need".
Former Royal Marine, Invictus Games medallist and TV presenter JJ Chalmers, said: "Recognising when you need to reach out is the first hurdle and fellow veterans can help so much with this, as they've been through it too.
"The wonderful thing about Op Courage is that it has been developed by veterans, for veterans – the trained NHS professionals you'll speak to are from the Armed Forces or have experience of working with the community. They really get where you've come from.
"I remember how hard it was adjusting to life after the military, getting to grips with civvy street after everything I went through in Afghanistan. Having a service like the Op Courage to support you is invaluable."
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