In response to a parliamentary question raised by Andrew Bowie, Conservative MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, the Ministry of Defence has outlined its ongoing efforts to improve mental health support for veterans.
The question, which was answered on 22nd August 2024 by Al Carns, Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Defence and Minister for Veterans, sought to clarify what steps are being taken to enhance the provision of mental health services for those who have served in the armed forces.
Carns spoke of the government’s commitment to supporting veterans, stating, “This is a Government of service that will always stand up for those who serve our country.”
He highlighted the collaborative efforts across government and civil society aimed at ensuring that veterans and their families have access to essential services, including health, housing, and employment support.
A key aspect of the government’s approach is the NHS England initiative, Op COURAGE: the Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service. Minister Carns noted that this service provides “a broad range of specialist mental health and wellbeing care and support for service leavers, reservists, veterans and their families.” The service is designed to offer comprehensive mental health care tailored to the needs of the veteran community.
Recognising the devolved nature of healthcare, Carns also expressed his intention to work closely with counterparts in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to address the mental health needs of veterans across the UK.
The Government should commit to mental health support for everyone.
I have to say, I’ve accessed Veterans’ mental health support twice. Once in the old system where you effectively went straight to a charity and the second time under Op COURAGE with the NHS.
Op COURAGE is excellent. Quick GP referral and I was given 8 CBT sessions plus follow on. Very slick. In the old system I literally had to find the treatment myself.
Great to hear good things about Op COURAGE. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Nhs in Wales is a mixed bag, some are wonderful others horrific. I remember trying to access treatment in the early naughts just after we went into Iraq and when I mentioned the military covenant (they wanted me to wait 2 years for treatment) I was told ‘we don’t give priority treatment to baby killers’. Obviously she was an outlier but pretty shocking all the same.
Shocking treatment by NHS staff calling military veterans like that especially when they are seeking help for real PTSD. These people should be named and shamed for what they say and should really consider why they don’t believe in the Hippocratic oath. They should keep their opinions to themselves and treat people with dignity regardless of their personal views. Personally, I would have reported the medics to the appropriate authorities. To be honest it says more a lot about these people with the warped sense of right and wrong. I have great respect for our military personnel as you and the other veterans have kept us safe when you are thrust into theatres of war by our politicians and often hung out to dry in courts of law afterwards. Medicine is meant to be a caring profession…makes you wonder about some of the people that enter into that profession….You have my respect and admiration for serving your country – I know I’m only one person but you are respected by many others I promise you.