NHS support for Armed Forces
NHS specialists will be highlighting the support they can offer to serving personnel to service families, veterans and cadets during Armed Forces Week.
The week-long celebration includes Reserves Day on Wednesday 25 June and culminates with Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 28.
Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has specialist expertise in mental health, dementia, learning disabilities and autism. It holds the NHS Veteran Aware accreditation along with the Silver Award in the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme. These both recognise the exceptional support offered to the Armed Forces community, including reservists, veterans and military families.
“In Lincolnshire we’re incredibly proud of our strong connections to the Armed Forces community and we want to thank all the veterans, reservists and Armed Forces family members working across the Trust, as well as our patient and public voice partners,” said a spokesperson.
In April 2023, LPFT was named lead provider for the Midlands Op COURAGE Partnership, one of six regions delivering the service in England. Since then it has supported more than 2,700 veterans, service leavers, reservists and their families across both the East and West Midlands.
Op COURAGE is an NHS service developed with people who have served in the Armed Forces and experienced mental ill-health. Working together with NHS services and charities, Op COURAGE makes 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.
Personnel within the Midlands Op COURAGE Partnership team have previously served with the Armed Forces or have experience of working with the military community and bring a wealth of experience to their roles.
Sarah Riseborough, Community Support Worker served in the army for 22 years and was deployed on various operations including Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.
“I had been out of the military for almost six years before joining the NHS. As a veteran, I understand how difficult it can be for fellow veterans to reach out for the support they desperately need. I want to help veterans overcome the barriers and mental health stigmas that are within the Armed Forces community, to ensure they get all the appropriate help that they absolutely deserve.”
Members of the team will be at Lincoln’s Armed Forced Day event in City Square near the Cornhill Market from midday to 3pm.
Veterans, their families or other health professionals can refer, or self-refer, to services by calling 0300 323 0137 or emailing
See www.opcouragemidlands.nhs.uk for more information.