We at Killamarsh Medical Practice are proud to be an accredited veteran friendly GP Practice and to honour veterans throughout the year, but especially on Remembrance Day.

More than half of veterans (52%) have a long-term illness or disability, yet research suggests many may be reluctant to seek support for their issues, particularly if they feel they may not be understood.

With an estimated 2 million veterans in the UK, a GP Practice, like ours, may see a veteran patient every day on average.  Being able to identify and support veteran patients is crucial to ensuring best outcomes, as research shows that some veteran patients may face different health challenges to the general population.

Below are a number of weblinks we hope you find informative and useful ... we're here to support you.

Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service provides specialist care and support for people who have left the Armed Forces, as well as reservists and those who are due to leave the military who are struggling with their mental health and wellbeing.  Developed with people who have served in the Armed Forces and experienced mental ill health, Op COURAGE is available across England. Since 2017 the service has helped nearly 30,000 people.

Who Op COURAGE helps

After serving in the UK Armed Forces, some people find it hard to adjust to civilian life.  Op COURAGE works together with Armed Forces charities and NHS services to make sure people who have served and are struggling with their mental health and wellbeing get the specialist care, support and treatment for their specific needs.  The service supports UK Armed Forces veterans living in England, as long as they have served a minimum of one full day, and regardless of how long ago they left the military.  Op COURAGE also provides support to serving personnel due to leave the Armed Forces
and reservists.

How the service helps people who’ve served in the Armed Forces

Op COURAGE offers a range of specialist support and treatment, tailored to each person’s specific needs. This may include:
• helping individuals to recognise and treat early signs of mental ill health, as well as more advanced mental health conditions and psychological trauma;
• providing support and treatment for substance misuse and addictions;
• liaising with charities and local organisations to support wider health and wellbeing needs, such as help with housing, relationships, finances and employment;
• referring individuals to other NHS services, where needed;
• recognising that family members may also need help and care and supporting them to access this.

Making an appointment with Op COURAGE

Individuals can contact Op COURAGE directly to make an appointment or ask someone else, such as a family member, friend, charity or health professional to make it for them.
For further information and contact details, visit here.
For any other queries, please email england.armedforceshealth@nhs.net