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NHS help for veterans

  • Writer: Healthwatch Southend
    Healthwatch Southend
  • Nov 10
  • 2 min read

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At this time of year, it's important to remind those who have served in the Armed Forces and Merchant Navy that healthcare support is available for them. Even if you only served for a few days. Non-mobilised reservists are also regarded as veterans.


Let your GP know. This will help your GP to better understand your health, including any health problems related to your service. It will also help make sure you're referred to dedicated services for veterans, where appropriate. A number of GP practices in Southend are accredited as being veteran-friendly. They may have staff with a military background and will staff trained to treat health problems that commonly affect veterans as well as having knowledge of specialist NHS services designed specifically for members of the armed forces.


Both Mid & South Essex Hospitals and the Essex University Partnership Trusts, which provide most local hospital, mental and community health services have joined the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA). This is a group of NHS providers, including acute, mental health, community, and ambulance trusts that have agreed to model of the best care for, and support to, the Armed Forces community.


Veterans and their families and carers can access dedicated mental health support services run by the NHS and mental health charities.


These include:



Support for physical health problems caused by service

Op RESTORE: The Veterans Physical Health and Wellbeing Service is an NHS service providing specialist care and treatment to veterans who have physical health problems as a result of their time in the armed forces. Your GP can refer you, which is why it's important to let the practice know you are a veteran.


Charities and support groups for the armed forces community

Veterans and their families can find information about other support services by visiting this website:



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