Helping our heroes
NHS supporting veterans despite coronavirus lockdown.
As the nation gears up to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day, the NHS wants all those who have served their country to know that dedicated mental health support is still available despite the coronavirus outbreak.
The Veterans’ Mental Health Complex Treatment Service helps to improve the lives of former services personnel by providing intensive support to those with complex mental health concerns.
The North of England service is run by Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. The clinical team appreciates that the culture of the armed forces is unique and they provide care in tune with military needs. Military experience is central to what they do and the service has been shaped by feedback from veterans and their families.
Since its establishment in 2018 the North of England Veteran’s Service has had over 215 referrals, introduced a digital wellbeing group, won a number of awards and developed a wide range of therapies to support veterans.
The coronavirus outbreak has seen veterans with mental health needs go into isolation – but help is still available and has been adapted to offer more digital services, including video consultations with psychotherapists and support by phone, in response to social distancing rules and travel restrictions in place.
With the current lockdown restrictions the VE Day celebrations are taking a slightly different format – with many organisations running virtual ceremonies and tributes.
Vicki Ray is the Clinical Team Manager for the Veterans’ Mental Health Complex Treatment Service in the North of England. She said: “We know this occasion will mean so much to many service users, carers and our staff and it will be especially poignant to our Veteran’s Service who are really proud to be able to support veterans to reintegrate into civilian life.”
To mark VE day some of the veterans who have used this service have spoken about how well they’ve been supported so far and how this is continuing amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
Kara Sennett, who was a Postal and Courier Operator in the Royal Logistics Corps, said:
“It’s been an outstanding service. Ever since I was first referred, I feel like I’ve been in the best hands. I was always made to feel comfortable, could take everything at my own pace and have had treatment adapted so it works better for me. I want to say a massive thank you to my psychologist.”
Since the outbreak and lockdown restrictions began Kara has adapted to having treatment remotely. She added: “I know I can email my psychologist if I’m stuck with anything. I’m learning new supportive techniques during this period.”
David King, who was in the Engineers division, said: “Overall and during the COVID-19 outbreak, the service has been excellent. I have been well supported remotely during the outbreak.”
Vicki Ray added: “We’ve been supporting our veterans across the North of England, adapting our provision and using digital platforms to reach out to them.
“We are working hard to support our veterans who may be suffering from an increase in their post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and have recently introduced a new virtual well-being group, incorporating practical ways that veterans can adopt when isolating.
“Many of our veterans are really understanding of this and support the efforts that the team and NHS services are making during these difficult times. Veterans can self-refer to the Veteran’s Mental Health Transition, Intervention and Liaison Service if they are struggling and require further mental health support.”
Our Chief Executive, Dr Sara Munro, has added her tribute to veterans past and present, especially during the COVID-19 outbreak:
“On this important today all of us at LYPFT pay tribute and thanks to those who served in our armed forces, for the sacrifices they and their loved ones made and continue to make. The day symbolises the importance of working together especially when times are tough and reminds me of the work we all do in service of our communities, which has been brought to the fore through our on-going battle with COVID-19. So in paying our respects and thanks to Victory for Europe, 75 years ago, I reiterate my thanks to each and every one of you who I know are making sacrifices to keep us all safe.”
You can find out more about the North of England Service and the support it provides on our website.
A montage of pictures created by children of the staff in the Veterans’ Service.