Shining a spotlight on support for veterans and service personnel
Veterans, reservists, service personnel and their families are being reminded of the raft of support which Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) offers in the run up to Remembrance Sunday.
The Trust provides a wide variety of specially-designed and culturally-sensitive services, including its Veteran’s Integrated Service. This provides a range of support, including:
- The 16-week Veterans’ Stabilisation Programme, which provides psychological support to help veterans manage the transition to civilian life.
- Five support groups, which take place each week in Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich, Norwich, Thetford and Sudbury.
- An online women’s support group, which is open to any woman currently serving in the armed forces, as well as reservists and veterans.
- Therapy for veterans and their partners, as well as carer’s support.
In April, NSFT also joined forces with Essex Partnership University NHS Trust, St Andrews Healthcare, Mental Health Matters, Walking with the Wounded and the Warrior Programme to launch Op Courage. It receives as many as 70 referrals a month for common problems such as anxiety, depression and substance misuse, as well as more advanced mental health conditions and psychological trauma. The service can also help address concerns with finances, relationships and housing while offering support to families and carers.
In addition, NSFT has trained nearly 100 veterans’ champions to help ensure the needs of ex-service personnel are met when they access services, and has also launched a veterans’ charity to raise money for social activities, in turn helping tackle isolation and loneliness.
Diane Palmer, Director of Specialist Services with NSFT, said: “At NSFT, we understand that this time of year can be difficult for those who are serving in our Armed Forces, as well as veterans and their families and those who are military bereaved.
“Bonfire night and the loud bangs of fireworks can be triggering for those who have served, while Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday quickly follow, which many can find difficult. We want to reassure people that we are here to help – and to encourage them to get in touch if they need us.
“We will call anyone who contacts Op Courage and is eligible for support within five days to initial appointment, which will then take place within two weeks so that we can begin to wrap support around the individual as quickly as possible. This has been really well-received by those using the service, who appreciate being able to access help so promptly.
“Over the next week, we will also be remembering the brave men and women have died and showing our appreciation for those who continue to serve, those who have served and who have been left with physical and psychological injuries and all affected families.”
For more information about Op Courage, www.nsft.nhs.uk/search/service/op-courage-158, call 0300 034 9991 or email mevs.mhm@nhs.net