Armed forces veterans in Ealing are being invited to find out more and get support from Op COURAGE, a NHS England service for veterans that helps with mental health and wellbeing issues.
With 3,298 veterans across Ealing, the NHS England service is open to all armed forces personnel and provides specialist support, care and treatment.
According to a recent NHS England survey of veterans and those serving in the armed forces, around 60% say they have found it difficult to ask for help for mental health issues.
The NHS is looking to address this with making more people aware of Op COURAGE by encouraging self-referrals to the service.
Dr Jonathan Leach OBE, NHS England associate medical director for Armed Forces and Veterans Health said: “The NHS Op COURAGE service is unique – our staff are not only highly trained clinical professionals, but they are also either ex-military or know the military culture first-hand. This sets them up to provide a non-judgemental service and build trust with those seeking help.
“Our research has found that veterans can often struggle to know when to ask for help, but by providing them with professionals who have a deeper understanding of what they are going through, we are able to share success stories, such as Denis and Debbie.”
Minister of State for Veterans’ Affairs, Johnny Mercer said: ”I am determined to make this the best country in the world to be a veteran, but to do that we need veterans and the public to be aware of what support is already available to them, including our dedicated mental health service Op COURAGE.
“I would strongly urge anyone who is struggling to reach out. Help is available through Op COURAGE in England, dedicated NHS services in Scotland and Wales, and the Veterans’ Support Office in Northern Ireland.”
To find out more about Op COURAGE, click here.
