Op COURAGE - The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service, London Region

The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service – Op COURAGE is a free NHS service available to all ex-serving members of the UK Armed Forces, living in or registered with a GP in London. We also support reservists and those who are making the transition to civilian life. 

We provide ex-service personnel with a comprehensive multi-disciplinary assessment of mental health needs and related difficulties, such as issues with finance, housing and employment. In partnership with you, we then make recommendations and aid access to treatment and support that can help get your life back on track. 

Recommendations may involve help from an NHS service in your area or from other veteran/non-veteran organisations. We can offer in-house treatment in certain situations, and we can also offer rapid intervention for those in need of urgent care. 

Visit the Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service website for more information.

Ex-serving members of the UK Armed Forces living in or registered with a GP in London. We also support reservists and current service personnel who are making the transition to civilian life.

We can see people within 10 working days and within 5 working days if there is significant risk. Before your first appointment you will be sent a short set of questionnaires, these help us develop an understanding of how you are feeling. If possible, please bring the completed questionnaires to your first appointment. If you need any help completing the questionnaires, our staff will be happy to help. You can also speak to a veteran peer worker if this would make the process easier for you.

During the assessment session you will be asked a range of questions about different parts of your life, including your military history, your life prior to and after leaving service and any difficulties or problems you face currently. At the end of the assessment, we will discuss what help is available and you can decide if you would like to pursue our recommendations.

Following your assessment, we will write a full report and make any necessary referrals, to ensure you access the recommended support. You can request a copy of your report. We recognise that talking about painful experiences can be very distressing for people, some find it very difficult to keep their appointments, preferring to avoid talking about their experience. If this is the case for you, please do not hesitate to telephone us, and we will be happy to talk about this with you.

Our team has significant expertise in working with ex-service personnel:

• Veterans take a key role in developing our service
• We work in partnership with other ex-services charities and organisations
• We respond quickly to you, typically offering assessment within 14 days
• We can accept self-referrals
• We offer support and advice to families and friends 

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