Published on: 22nd June 2026
The Midlands Op COURAGE Partnership is celebrating both Armed Forces Week and the first anniversary of its neighbourhood-based assessment clinics, which are transforming access to mental health support for veterans, service leavers, reservists and their families across the region.
The first local multidisciplinary assessment clinic was launched on 17 June 2025 at the Len Hardy Centre in Nuneaton, North Warwickshire, marking a significant step forward in delivering more accessible, joined-up care. One year on, the model is delivering measurable improvements in experience, access and outcomes for the Armed Forces community.
Midlands Op COURAGE is a nationally commissioned NHS specialist service supporting those who have served. Since forming a unified partnership in April 2023, bringing together three NHS Trusts - Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust and Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust - and five charities, almost 4,000 people have accessed support.
A new model shaped by veterans and staff
Veterans often face complex mental and physical health challenges, including trauma, isolation and difficulties navigating services. Feedback consistently highlighted the need for more joined-up, localised care that reduces duplication and removes the need to repeatedly retell their story.
In response, Midlands Op COURAGE developed its neighbourhood multidisciplinary assessment clinics, bringing NHS and voluntary sector partners together in shared locations to deliver coordinated, whole-person support.
The first clinics launched in Coventry and Warwickshire before expanding across Birmingham and Staffordshire, and then into Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. To date, more than 30 clinics have been delivered across the Midlands.
Improving access, experience and outcomes
Since June 2025, over 275 veterans have received a local multidisciplinary assessment through the clinics, with most receiving a co-produced care plan within one to four weeks.
The impact has been significant:
- Reduced waiting times and more timely access to care.
- Improved patient experience, with veterans rating listening, respect, clarity and satisfaction close to 100%.
- Stronger joined-up working, with multidisciplinary teams making real-time decisions together.
- Greater flexibility, with virtual appointments available where travel is difficult.
Staff feedback also highlights improved communication, stronger relationships and reduced travel, while partners report clearer referral pathways and greater confidence in supporting veterans.
Delivering on national priorities
The neighbourhood clinic model reflects a broader shift towards integrated, community-based care. It aligns with national ambitions for multidisciplinary neighbourhood teams and supports organisations to meet their Armed Forces Covenant duty.
By bringing together NHS expertise, local community venues and specialist charities, the model ensures that care is delivered around the veteran, not the system.
Photo description: Midlands Op COURAGE Local Assessment Clinics, clockwise from top left: Nuneaton, Lincoln, Cannock, Birmingham
Doug Wing, Midlands Op COURAGE Operational Lead, Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said:
“This is a strong example of what can be achieved when organisations come together with a shared ambition to improve access and outcomes for the Armed Forces community.
“Over the past year, we’ve seen how neighbourhood-based clinics can transform the way care is delivered - making it timelier, more joined-up and centred around the individual. As we continue to grow, we remain focused on listening to those who use the service and working with partners to ensure support is consistent and accessible across the Midlands.”
Dr Dan Barnard, Midlands Op COURAGE Clinical Lead, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust said:
“We saw early on through the pilot in Coventry and Warwickshire just how impactful this approach could be. By bringing clinicians and partners together in one place, we’re able to make collaborative decisions more quickly and effectively.
“The improvements we’ve seen in waiting times and patient experience reflect the value of working in this way, and the positive feedback from veterans reinforces how important it is to provide care that is both responsive and tailored to their needs.”
Dr Helen Brown, Midlands Op COURAGE Clinical Lead, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust said:
“One of the biggest strengths of this model is the partnership working across NHS and voluntary sector services. By bringing different professions together at the point of assessment, we’re able to reduce repetition and provide more co-ordinated, compassionate care that removes barriers to support.
“Bringing services closer to where people live is making a real difference not only in improving access, but in ensuring veterans and their families feel listened to, understood and supported at every stage of their journey.”
Looking ahead
The neighbourhood clinic model is now fully embedded and continuing to grow, with more clinic dates planned over the next 12 months. Ongoing expansion will help improve access for both rural and urban communities.
As Armed Forces Week recognises those who serve and have served, Midlands Op COURAGE is proud to demonstrate how partnership working and innovation are delivering timely, compassionate and effective support for the Armed Forces community.
How to refer to Op COURAGE
Veterans, their families or other health professionals can refer, or self-refer, to services by calling 0300 323 0137 or emailing mevs.mhm@nhs.net Please visit www.opcouragemidlands.nhs.uk for more information.
Midlands Op COURAGE is proudly delivered in partnership by: Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, St Andrew's Healthcare, Walking With The Wounded, The Ripple Pond, Tom Harrison House, and Mental Health Matters.
