Published on: 26th August 2021
A response from our Acting Chief Executive Sarah Connery to highlight the support available to veterans and reservists in the community and our workforce.
It is impossible not to be moved by the tragic scenes unfolding in Afghanistan.
We recognise the impact these events are having closer to home, affecting veterans in our communities and reservists who work for us and across the NHS.
Veterans and reservists will reflect on their roles in the peace keeping forces in Afghanistan for the past 20 years and remember their experiences. Those experiences for many will have been traumatic, leading to emotional trauma.
We acknowledge that this is a very difficult time for those involved, and encourage anyone who is affected to seek help and support.
We are here to provide help and support to veterans and reservists at this very difficult time. We will do everything we can to protect those who have protected us by making sure the right support is available to safeguard their mental health and wellbeing.
Intensive support is available to assist veterans, reservists and their families with complex mental health difficulties through Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service. Our teams are here to help. They understand military life and the courage it takes to speak to someone.
The NHS provides Op COURAGE services nationwide and LPFT is proud to support veterans in crisis and their families across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Rutland, and Northamptonshire.
Individuals can access the services available from Op COURAGE by contacting their GP or by calling the 24-hour Single Point of Entry (SPE) Line on 0300 323 0137.
A 24/7 helpline is also available by calling 0300 323 0139.
Alternatively, email mevs.mhm@nhs.net to request a referral form to the service.
Full details about Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service are available online at www.nhs.uk/opcourage
The LPFT Trust website contains additional information at www.lpft.nhs.uk/veterans
