Veterans: Mental Health Services

Veterans’ healthcare is the responsibility of the NHS; however, where personnel leaving the Armed Forces have an enduring need for mental healthcare, DMS works in partnership with the NHS to ensure continuation of care. Personnel who have been assessed and diagnosed with a mental health need are able to access Departments of Community Mental Health (DCMH) for up to six months after discharge to provide continuity of care during the transition period until appropriate handover to other services can be completed as required.

In England, Op COURAGE provides a broad range of specialist mental health and wellbeing care and support for service leavers, reservists and veterans, with similar services available in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Importantly, unlike many other services, Op COURAGE accepts self-referral, empowering patients to take control of their care needs. Op COURAGE has received over 35,000 referrals to date; over one third of all referrals were made directly by veterans. I would encourage any veteran who is struggling with their mental health to self-refer or seek the support of their GP to access Op COURAGE.