If you are a veteran, please let us know. We want to ensure that you are getting the right support that is available for ex-forces. The NHS has a duty to deliver on a number of health commitments in relation to the armed forces community and their families.
Our Duty to the Armed Forces Community
The NHS is committed to deliver health and wellbeing services to the armed forces community which is set out in the armed forces covenant and the NHS constitution.
What is the Armed Forces Covenant?
‘The armed forces covenant is a promise set out by the nation to those who serve or have served and their families, which says we do all we can to ensure they are treated fairly and not disadvantaged in their day-to-day lives.’
Our Pledges
- Supporting all veterans by promoting that we are a Veteran Friendly Accredited practice.
- Supporting the employment of veterans and ex forces. Recognising military skills and qualifications in our recruitment and selection process.
- Supporting national events, including, Armed Forces Day, poppy appeal, remembrance activities.
- Those that are injured in service should be cared for in way that reflects the nation’s moral obligation to them, by healthcare professionals who understand the armed forces culture.
- Veterans should receive priority treatment for conditions which are related to their time in the force. Subject to clinical assessment.
You’ll be able to speak to people who:
- understand military life
- are from the armed forces community, or work closely with them
- will work to get you the care you need
You can also read the NHS website guide to healthcare for the armed forces community or visit https://www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk/
Healthcare for Veterans
The NHS and the ministry of defence have been working together and have published the ‘Personalised care for veterans in England guide for clinical commissioning groups and local authorities, which sets out a new personalised care approach for those who have served and suffer with long-term conditions, both physical and mental. Information can be found through the website https://www.england.nhs.uk/personalisedcare/upc/ipc-for-veterans/personalised-care-for-veterans/
Any eligible individuals will have access to a single personalised care and support plan that covers all their health and wellbeing needs. This will develop with them and a range of organisations that is suitable for their needs. This will include military charities. Personalised care plans will allow them to have control over the care they receive and can be tailored to what matters to them. This will also help other organisations understand what is important and allows them to make choices.
Other Resources and Services
Veterans Gateway
The veteran’s gateway is for any ex-service personnel and their families looking for support and advice. This is a service that is ran 24 hours a day. It provides a directory of contacts partnered with military and non-military organisations to help veterans and their families access the help they need when they need it. This ranges from physical and mental health to employability and housing. For more information, please visit https://www.veteransgateway.org.uk
Mobility Support
The Royal British Legion has a veterans mobility fund which provides specialist wheelchairs, orthotic equipment and other mobility related items for veterans who have a service-related physical injury. To access the fund, it requires the condition to be attributable to service and typically the applicants will receive a war pension or relevant award under the armed forces compensation scheme.
Help for Heroes
Help for heroes – offer a range of support. Physical healthcare support, mental health counselling, sport and social activities, welfare support and recovery college. Please visit the website for more information https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/
Combat Stress
The UKs leading mental health charity for veterans. They provide free specialist clinical treatment and support to ex-servicemen and women across the UK with mental health conditions. please visit their website for more information https://combatstress.org.uk/
Op-Courage
helping with the transition from military to civilian life by mental health care with defence medical services (DMS), treat early signs of mental health problems as well as more advanced mental health conditions and psychological trauma, providing support and treatment for substance misuse and addictions and more.
Blesma
the limbless veterans charity dedicated to assisting service and ex-service men and women who have suffered life-changing limb loss or the use of a limb and eye or sight. Please visit their website for more information https://www.blesma.org/