Mental health service for veterans launched

Lieutenant Colonel Eddy Carter, Commanding Officer 103 Regiment; Flight Lieutenant Martin Falsey; Clinical Lead Claire Maguire; Principal Psychologist Dr Alan Barrett and Naval Commander for Northern England and Isle of Man David Pickthall.

A new service offering mental health support for ex-military personnel in the North West has been launched.

Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust (Pennine Care) has launched a Military Veterans’ Service to provide mental health support to veterans of the British armed forces and their immediate family members, who live in Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire, Cumbria and Merseyside.

The Service has been commissioned by the Strategic Health Authority as part of the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme and in response to Fighting Fit, a government report which recommends steps to improve access to mental health services for veterans.

It’s the first IAPT service for veterans in the country and the first time Pennine Care has provided a service across the region, making it a significant development for the Trust. Based in Greater Manchester, Pennine Care is a proven provider of mental health and community services, providing care to a population of 1.1 million.

The Military Veterans’ Service can help anyone who has served in the army, navy or air force, including reserves. It provides treatment and support for a range of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, anger, substance misuse and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“Most people who leave the armed forces make the transition to civilian life without too much difficulty but there are a number who struggle to adapt and need help,” explains Dr Alan Barrett, Principal Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Lead for the service.

“Leaving the structure and discipline of the armed forces is a big change and some veterans find it hard to adjust to a lifestyle where they are faced with new responsibilities and required to make their own decisions. This can create stress and worry, which over time can lead to longer term psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, anger and drug and alcohol misuse.”

A non-clinical service will also work with the Military Veterans’ Service to provide help with social issues such as housing, debt and relationship difficulties; all of which can have a negative impact on mental health and wellbeing.

Dr Barrett said: “Some veterans may find it difficult to find a suitable job because they have very specific skills and knowledge.

“Some may also have problems with securing housing, particularly when they have little family support, whereas those who live with family may find it hard to open up and interact with their partner or children, causing relationship problems. In these cases, we can help the veteran and their whole family to deal with the issues facing them.”

There are an estimated five million veterans in the UK and a further 20,000 personnel leave the forces each year. Around 500,000 veterans live in the North West and the region has strong military links and active veterans associations.

The Military Veterans’ team includes clinical psychologists, therapists and non-clinical support. Some of the team have served in the armed forces or have family who are in the forces and others have a special interest in working with veteran personnel.

“We involved ex-service personnel and their families to develop the service so that we understand the challenges veterans face and are able to provide a service that meets their needs. We also work closely with other partners and agencies including Combat Stress and the Royal British Legion, who are experienced in working with veterans,” Dr Barrett added.