Op COURAGE: Veterans Mental Health and Well-being Service

  • We provide 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 local treatment and support that can help get your life back on track. 

    Recommendations may involve help from an NHS service in your area and/or from other veteran/non-veteran organisations. We can offer in-house treatment in certain situations, and we can also offer fast track intervention for those presenting with higher risk. We also provide partner/supporter consultations.

    londonveteranservice.nhs.uk

  • Borough(s): All London boroughs
  • Email: nlft.veteransservice@nhs.net
  • Age range treated: 18+
  • Address:
    4th Floor,  West Wing,  St Pancras Hospital,  4 St Pancras Way, NW1 0PE
  • Phone number: 0203 317 6818
  • Service hours: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

Conditions treated

A range of mental health issues from anxiety, depression, difficulties making the transition to civilian life, addiction issues to complex trauma presentations (eg. related to combat, sexual assaults, bullying and harassment).

How to access this service

Referral forms can be found on our website: www.londonveteranservice.nhs.uk

Who is this service for?

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. Only one full day of military service is required. We also see reservists, if not mobilised, and Armed Forces personnel making the transition to civilian life. 

What to expect

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 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. 

Service strengths

  • We are a collaborative of NHS and veteran charity providers (Walking with the Wounded, The Stoll and the Ripple Pond) enabling holistic care.
  • We have significant expertise in working with ex-service personnel.
  • We offer support and advice to families and friends 
  • We work closely with statutory and non-statutory organisations, including veteran charities across London
  • We are working to break down barriers to access eg. for women, early service leavers, black and ethnic minority groups, LGBT+ community.
  • Accredited by Fighting with Pride for the support we provide to LGBT+ Veterans, serving personnel and their families
     

Service manager(s)

Joint Heads of service: Dr Sue Ferrier, Consultant Clinical Psychologist; Dr Deirdre Macmanus, Consultant Psychiatrist

Clinical Navigation Manager: Carole Feldman
Operational service manager: Rob Henderson
 

Useful Information

We have close links with a suite of specialist veteran services including Op RESTORE: physical mental health and well-being service, Op COMMUNITY: families service, Op FORTITUDE: for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, Op NOVA: for veterans in contact with the justice system.

We run a monthly Armed Forces community drop-in in association with The Stoll and the Royal British Legion – a one stop shop to access support. 

More information, including our service leaflet and how to refer can be found on the Op COURAGE website: www.londonveteranservice.nhs.uk

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