Yesterday the Government announced that veteran’s mental health services will benefit from a £2.7 million boost, ensuring the support is in place where it is needed most for our brave personnel who served in Afghanistan, and all former service personnel.
Our Armed Forces and veterans represent the very best of us, and recent events in Afghanistan have been yet another reminder of their dedication and sacrifice as many of our people experienced things they will never forget. That is why the Government is boosting mental health support for veterans with £2.7 million for Op COURAGE, the Veteran’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Service, expanding services for those experiencing complex mental and/or physical trauma, or alcohol and substance misuse.
Dedicated care co-ordinators will be appointed to act as a single point of contact to better support veterans with complex mental and physical trauma. They will help them to navigate the health and care system, consult with health and care professionals, with the ultimate aim of reducing suicide rates within the veteran community.
This additional funding builds on the significant mental health support provided by NHS England in recognition of the unique needs of veterans and the challenges they face, including through the Veterans’ Trauma Network and Op COURAGE which has already received over 16,000 referrals to date.
It is estimated 38,000 members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, suffer from alcohol and substance misuse. The funding will ensure dedicated substance misuse services are integrated as part of Op COURAGE, making it as easy as possible to access support.
This new funding will ensure support is in place where it is needed most, recognising the unique challenges veterans face.
For more information on the Government’s announcement that armed forces veterans will benefit from extra support including extra mental health services thanks to a further £2.7 million funding, including comments from the Health and Social Care and Defence Secretaries, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/veterans-mental-health-services-to-receive-27-million-boost
