The Armed Forces Covenant is the promise from the nation that those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services. Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved. There principles are enshrined in law. NHS in England has an impressive number of initiatives to support the military community.
Op COMMUNITY is an NHS England funded pilot providing an easily accessible point of contact with a dedicated email and phone number to support the Armed Forces community, with a specific focus on serving families.
- NHS Humber and North Yorkshire:
- https://harewoodmedicalpractice.com/index.php/patient-services/armed-forces/
- 01609 765315
- spocmilitaryfamilies@nhs.net
- Service available 10am – 3pm, Monday – Friday
Op COURAGE is an NHS mental health specialist service designed to help serving personnel due to leave the military, Reservists, Armed Forces veterans and their families. This service is supported by trained professionals who are from, or have experience of working with, the Armed Forces community. https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/armed-forces-community/mental-health/veterans-reservists/
Op FORTITUDE can be accessed by homeless veterans including those sleeping on the streets. Veterans can access the scheme through a dedicated charity helpline (0800 9520774) or here: https://www.riverside.org.uk/care-and-support/veterans/opfortitude/
Op NOVA provides emotional and practical support to veterans at all points of the justice system in England, including pre-arrest, arrest, post-arrest and those serving a custodial sentence. The prime objective is to provide a single support pathway for veterans to move away from the justice system. Veterans are supported on an individual basis, empowering them to engage and access specialist support services. Op NOVA receives referrals from the Police, the NHS Liaison and Diversion teams, the Prison and Probation service and NHS Reconnect (for veterans before they leave prison). Op NOVA is open 8am - 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am - 2pm Saturday, their freephone contact number is 0800 9177299.
Op PROSPER is an Office for Veterans’ Affairs programme empowering veterans and their families the length and breadth of the United Kingdom, enabling them to thrive in society by ensuring equal access to employment opportunities and supporting them into sustainable, valuable careers. The programme mobilises the business community to drive practical, cultural and behavioural change within sectors, ensuring they become more ‘veteran friendly’, while also creating tailored pathways for veterans into positions of employment. Call the Veteran Support Team for further information on 0121 262 3058.
Op RESTORE is an NHS service that supports individuals who have served in, or are leaving the UK Armed Forces, and have continuing physical health injuries and related medical problems attributed to their time in the Armed Forces. Referrals need to come from the veteran’s GP.
Op STERLING is a working in partnership with Fighting With Pride, and Age UK delivering a programme to help older LGBT+ veterans, service personnel and their families. The Operation Sterling programme provides telephone-based support, advice and casework to older LGBT+ veterans through Age UK’s Advice Line. The existing expertise of Age UK’s Advice Line advisors and the knowledge that Fighting With Pride has about how best to support the well-being of LGBT+ veterans means that Operation Sterling can support older LGBT+ veterans in many ways. https://www.fightingwithpride.org.uk/contact-fwp-for-age-uk-referral-support/
Little Troopers is a charity dedicated to supporting children from British Armed Forces families has launched a new, free webpage for GPs where they can access military-specific tools and resources to support their forces families and learn more about the experiences of service children. https://www.littletroopers.net/little-troopers-in-healthcare/
Veterans’ Pain Management Programme (PMP)
Chronic pain is defined as a pain that lasts more than three months and is more common in military veterans than the general population. Musculo-skeletal, joint, and back pain are the most common causes of pain.
Pain often is associated with mental health problems. Pain is a risk risk factor for opioid and alcohol misuse. Persistent pain often impacts on relationships, work, hobbies, interests, and other activities, as well as mood and overall wellbeing. Those who experience pain find themselves feeling helpless and lacking the confidence to continue with previously meaningful activities. Unrelieved and persistent chronic pain can contribute to depression, anxiety, poor sleep patterns, decreased quality of life and is a risk factor for suicide.
Pain is best treated with a combination of medication and non-drug treatments along with general guidelines for healthy living (good nutrition, moderate exercise and stretching, mental stimulation and a healthy work-life balance.) The Veterans’ Pain Management Programme (PMP) is based at King Edward V11 Hospital, London. This free, veteran wellbeing initiative will help the veteran in need of pain management support. The PMP is a group-based online program delivered by clinicians including a psychologist, nurse, and physiotherapist.
https://www.kingedwardvii.co.uk/the-charity/veterans-pain-management-programme