Veterans called up to discuss mental health services

NHS England has launched a national campaign highlighting and assessing mental health services available to people who have served in the Armed Forces.

Veterans with mental health conditions, their friends and families, professionals, support groups and Clinical Commissioning Groups are all being asked to share their experiences and views of mental health services by completing a questionnaire. The results will then help NHS England find out why some veterans have not sought or received support and shape services in the future. 

Mental health services for people who have served in the Armed Forces need to be tailored to individual experiences; particularly after serving in combat zones.

The NHS delivers mental health services across England specifically for veterans. AWP provides The South West Veterans' Mental Health Service, which covers the whole of the South West region.  The service has reported a 72% increase in service users this year and 99% of clients would recommend the service to others.

SW Veterans Service Lead David Wilcox said "The purpose of the service is to make it easier for a veteran to get the best advice and support for their mental health condition. Talking about this isn't always easy, but by doing so you will be taking a step in the right direction, to understand some of the issues which may be affecting you. It's important to remember that you are not alone."

The NHS England survey and supporting information can be accessed here.

NHS England's national campaign will run until the end of March 2016.

To find out more about SW Veterans' Mental Health Service click here.