After serving in the Armed Forces, some people find it hard to adjust to civvy street. If you’re struggling with your mental health and wellbeing, Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service is here to help.
Op COURAGE is an NHS service in England that’s been developed with people who’ve served in the Armed Forces and experienced mental ill-health. Every member of staff within the service is either from the Armed Forces or has experience of working with the military community. In partnership with Armed Forces charities and NHS services, the staff at Op COURAGE provide specialist care, support and treatment for those due to leave the military, reservists and those who’ve served. Since its launch in 2017, the service has helped nearly 30,000 veterans.
What does Op COURAGE offer?
Op COURAGE provides a range of specialist support and treatment, depending on the needs of the individual – there’s no ‘one size fits all’. This might include helping you to recognise and treat early signs of mental ill health, as well as providing care and support for more advanced mental health conditions and psychological trauma.
In addition, the service provides support and treatment for a range of addictions, such as alcohol and drug misuse and gambling, and can refer you to other NHS services if needed. Op COURAGE also works with charities and local organisations to provide support for your wider health and wellbeing needs, which may include help with housing, relationships, finances and employment.
We know that when someone is unwell, it may affect the rest of the family, so Op COURAGE can support them in accessing help and care, too.
Who can Op COURAGE help?
Op COURAGE supports UK Armed Forces veterans living in England as long as they have served a minimum of one full day, and regardless of how long ago they left the military.
Op COURAGE also provides support to serving personnel due to leave the Armed Forces and reservists.
How do you access Op COURAGE?
You can contact Op COURAGE directly to make an appointment or ask someone else, such as a family member, friend, charity or health professional, to make it for you. You can also ask your GP to refer you, but you don’t have to go through your GP to get an appointment.
For details of your local service, visit nhs.uk/opcourage
If you would like to talk to someone from FWP about how Op Courage might be able to support you, or you would like some help in a referral to the service, please get in touch via our contact form here.
This film features JJ Chalmers, ex-Marine and TV presenter, talking to two veterans about their experiences adjusting to civvy street and how Op COURAGE supported them on their journey.
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