Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Talking Therapies provides psychological treatments military veterans. Not all veterans who access our services will have symptoms acquired from their time in service, but approximately 30% will. We are able to offer treatments for those with mild to moderate symptoms of problems such as panic disorder, chronic worry, PTSD, OCD and depression.
The Royal British Legion's definition of a military veteran is someone who has served in the armed forces for more than one day. This could be as a regular member, or as a reservist. As signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant we try to offer Military Veterans a first treatment session within our priority time of 28 days.
We also know from our work with veterans that the transition to civilian life from the forces can be difficult. The cause of these difficulties may be the move from an environment that provided daily structure and purpose, or the loss of support and camaraderie experienced whilst serving. The transition process can also involve finding meaningful employment, suitable housing and financial stability. As a service, our primary purpose is the delivery of talking therapies, so we have developed relationships and links with organisations and services that are able to step in and support veterans and their families in other ways.
We recognise that when a veteran experiences difficulties so does their family, or that if you are a relative of someone currently serving who is on active service, then this will be a stressful time. Although we do not prioritise family members for treatment in terms of the time they may wait to be seen, our experience and training enables us to offer an understanding of the difficulties military and ex-military families may experience.
There are occasions when the symptoms a veteran is experiencing require a more intensive approach than what we can offer. On these occasions, a referral to an alternative service within the NHS may be necessary.
Additional sources of support for military veterans and their families
Combat Stress - support for members of the reserve forces
Combat Stress provides effective clinical treatment and support to veterans of the British Armed Forces, as well as those currently serving and ex-members of the Army Reserve (formerly known as the Territorial Army) and Reserve Forces, who are suffering mental ill health.
Members of the Reserve Forces are normally NHS patients in civilian life and it is of note that there are a number of Army Reserve Units in the North West.
Combat Stress treatment and support is delivered UK-wide by 14 outreach teams and at our three residential treatment centres.
Our clients in the North West are visited by our region outreach and community team, and many also attend our clinical treatment centre in Scotland at Hollybush House just outside Ayr.
Combat Stress also operates a UK-wide, 24 hour, 365 days a year helpline on 0800 138 1619 for the military community and their families, including reservists and ex-reservists.
Combat Stress is a registered charity funded partly by the NHS and partly through charitable fundraising and donations. More information is available on the Combat Stress website.
The Royal British Legion
- Freephone: 0808 802 8080 (open 8am to 8pm).
- Royal British Legion website.
The Armed Forces Community Directory (the Veterans Council)
HELP for HEROES
- Telephone: 01980 844 280.
- HELP for HEROES website.
SSAFA - the armed forces charity
- Helpline: 0800 260 6767.
- Online contact form.
- SSAFA website.
