Armed forces veterans will benefit from extra support including extra mental health services due to £2.7 million funding, the Department of Health and Social Care has announced.
Dedicated care co-ordinators will be appointed to act as a single point of contact to better support veterans with complex mental and physical trauma. They will help them to navigate the health and care system, consult with health and care professionals, with the ultimate aim of reducing suicide rates within the veteran community.
Read more: Urgent need to support veterans' mental health
‘Our serving armed forces and veterans represent the very best of us, with recent events in Afghanistan yet another reminder of their dedication and sacrifice,’
Op COURAGE already provides excellent support for veterans’ mental health, but I know there is more we can do to get the right care and treatment to those who have given up so much to protect us.
This new funding will ensure support is in place where it is needed most, recognising the unique challenges veterans face.
It is estimated 38,000 members of the armed forces community, including veterans, suffer from alcohol and substance misuse. The funding will ensure dedicated substance misuse services are integrated as part of Op COURAGE (the veterans’ mental health and wellbeing service), making it as easy as possible to access support.
Read more: Fund to increase mental health access for veterans