Useful contacts for veterans

Useful contacts and information for veterans and their families.

Guide contents

Mental health - information for veterans

Most British military personnel do not experience mental health problems while they are in 

service, or afterwards in civilian life.  However, they face unique risks in service and, if they do experience mental health problems, they may require particular treatments and particular mental health services.  Mental health problems are common and can affect anyone, including veterans and their families.

Although it's completely normal to experience anxiety or depression after traumatic events, this can be tough to deal with. Symptoms or problems coping can happen at any time, including a few years after leaving the armed forces.  

Some people delay getting help for a number of reasons, such as trying to cope alone, fear of criticism, embarrassment or feeling that the NHS will not understand.

Find information about Mental health support in Redcar and Cleveland

South Tees NHS Trust

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was accredited as ‘Veteran Aware’ on Friday 9 November 2018. This mark of distinction means that patients who have served in the UK armed forces will be cared for by frontline staff who have received training and education on their specific needs, such as mental health, and who can signpost them to local support services. 

The trust is one of 24 NHS bodies across the UK that has received accreditation from the Veterans Covenant Hospital Alliance. The Alliance is made up of national bodies, including NHS Improvement, NHS England, the Department of Health and Social Care, the Ministry of Defence, and the Confederation of Service Charities.

Phone: 01642 850850

Mind Teesside

Mind are Teesside’s Leading Mental Health Charity who believe everyone has the right to enjoy good mental health and have access to the best possible care and services. 

The Link Charitable Trust

The Link Charitable Trust (LCT) was incorporated in July 2015 and gained charitable status in March 2016. Their objective is the promotion of good health for public benefit in particular but not exclusively by providing support for children, young people and adults suffering from emotional wellbeing and mental health difficulties.

Mental Health Foundation

Most British military personnel do not experience mental health problems while they are in service, or afterwards in civilian life. However they face unique risks in service and, if they do experience mental health problems, they may require particular treatments and particular mental health services. 

The mental health problems experienced by military personnel are the same as the general population, although experiences during service and the transition to civilian life mean that their mental ill health may be triggered by different factors. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety and substance abuse affect a significant minority of service personnel and veterans.

Op COURAGE: the Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service

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.

SSAFA

For service men and women and veterans coping with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress or any other psychological problems. SSAFA is there to help you feel less alone. With their network of volunteer caseworkers and specialised services, they can provide the individual help you require to safely and happily recover.

Combat Stress

Combat Stress are the UK's leading charity for veterans' mental health. They have been helping former servicemen and women deal for a century with issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. Today they provide specialist treatment and support for veterans from every service and conflict to give them hope and a future.

PTSD UK

PTSD UK exists to share information and raise awareness of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - to help everyone experiencing PTSD

Help for Heroes

Help for Heroes believes that those who put their lives on the line for us, deserve a second chance at life. They provide lifetime support for the Armed Forces Community and their families. 

Their vast network of professionals and partners not only help serving members of the Armed Forces, but also ex-Servicemen and women and their families. This is achieved through physical and emotional rehabilitation and recovery. They also identify new career opportunities and offer financial and welfare support.

BLESMA

BLESMA are the only national Service charity that supports limbless veterans for the duration of their lives, offering financial and emotional support to them and their families. Since WW1 we have worked tirelessly to guarantee that our limbless veterans are not failed, forgotten or to left to fend for themselves.

Andy's Man Club

Their mission is to prevent other families from going through the heartache and grief caused by suicide, by encouraging men to speak openly about their issues.  They aim to achieve this through the Monday night talking groups, and through the power of awareness, sharing stories and sharing experiences.

HeadFIT

HeadFIT is a mental health support website designed to help you maintain your mental fitness. It was specifically developed for people working in Defence, military and civilian roles.  HeadFIT is available to anyone who wishes to use it, so it is important to spread the word as widely as possible.  The site features a range of tools to help manage your mental fitness, with video case studies from members of the Royal Navy, British Army, RAF and civil service.

Veterans at Ease

Veterans at Ease is a leading Military Mental Health Charity, committed to helping all members of HM Armed Forces Community, be it Veterans, Reservists, Serving Military Personnel or their families, so they can deal with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, flashbacks or thoughts of suicide, as well as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other combat stress-related issues.

Cruse Bereavement Support

CRUSE are a charity who are there for people during one of the most painful times in life, offering vital bereavement support and information.