My experience of using Veterans health services

Off By Ed Hanna

Gary, who Served in the Army, tells us about his experience of using Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service.

After leaving the Army in 2013, I spent some time travelling before moving to London in 2015 where I went to university to study photography and later, teaching. I had no permanent address and was ‘sofa surfing’ at friends’ houses. Although I didn’t know it, I was struggling with my mental health. I felt very frustrated, misunderstood and in some ways, abandoned. I approached different charities for support and was able to get help via Veterans Aid with housing, who put me in touch with a Military hostel.

How did you find out about Op COURAGE?
It was at the hostel I was staying at that my support worker referred me to the Op COURAGE service in London. This was because of frustrations and anger issues which kept bubbling up from my time in the Army.

What was Op COURAGE like?
Prior to using Op COURAGE, I felt like I was being pushed from pillar to post, but the service really supported me at a time I needed help. I used Op COURAGE for over a year and can go back for help when I need to. As part of my treatment, I was supported to understand my PTSD and was given several different courses of therapy. Working with the team at Op COURAGE gave me a great set of ‘tools’ to help me manage my PTSD.

One of the best things about using Op COURAGE was being involved in their service user forums. Along with other Veterans, I campaigned for the service to have peer support workers. We had all experienced how physically and emotionally draining therapy sessions can be. Being able to sit and have a brew with someone who understood and who had been through the service, felt like a necessity.

What happened after Op COURAGE?
In 2021, I went on to become an Op COURAGE peer support worker. In this role I was able to deliver training to GPs in London on Veterans’ health and how to become a Veterans’ champion.

Having spoken about my experiences at various health events, I was encouraged to apply for a job with the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA), where I have worked since May 2022. The VCHA aims to improve care for the Armed Forces community by awarding Veteran Aware accreditation to health and social care providers.

www.veteranaware.nhs.uk

How are you now?
I’m still on my path to recovery, but I feel I am over the worst. Thanks to Op COURAGE, I now have the tools to support me going forward. While I know there will always be difficult times, I now have the skills to cope.

What would you say to someone struggling with their mental health?

Don’t be scared to reach out. There is lots of support available and I encourage any Veteran struggling with their mental health to contact their local Op COURAGE service. Details are available at:

www.nhs.uk/opcourage

Op COURAGE is part of a range of NHS services available to Veterans in England.
This includes:
Op RESTORE: The Physical Health and Wellbeing Service provides specialist care and treatment for Veterans who have physical health problems as a result of their time in the UK Armed Forces. Working together with Military and civilian medical professionals, along with charities, Op RESTORE understands Military life and the physical issues that can result from this. Access to Op RESTORE, which is the new name for the Veterans Trauma Network, requires a GP referral by emailing: imperial.oprestore@nhs.net

Op NOVA: Supporting Veterans in the Justice S ystem. Op NOVA provides one-to-one non clinical support to Veterans who are at risk of being arrested or already have been, are due to leave prison or have been recently released. Veterans using the service have access to a range of practical and emotional help, along with support from an expert case worker.

More information can be found at: www.forcesemployment.org.uk/programmes/op-nova

Specialist care for Service-leavers, Reservists, Veterans and their families

Need help?
Take the first step by contacting Op COUARAGE.
You can do this yourself, or ask your GP, a charity, friend or family member to get in touch for you.

Make sure you register with a GP
If you’ve left the Military, it’s important to register with an NHS GP and tell them that you’ve Served in the Armed Forces. You can then get help from services dedicated to caring for Veterans. To find your nearest GP go to: www.nhs.uk

For more information on Op COURAGE go to www.nhs.uk/opcourage

Urgent and emergency support from other NHS services

If you’re having a mental health crisis, you can get help by:

• Calling 111 cor 999
• Booking a GP appointment
• Going to your nearest A&E

If you’re still Serving, you can also call the Military Mental
Health Helpline on: 0800 323 4444.