Veterans

We are proud to be an accredited Veteran Friendly GP Practice. This means we are committed to providing the best possible care and support to those who have served in the UK Armed Forces, as well as their families.

As part of this commitment, we:

• • Understand the unique health needs of veterans and service families
  • Record veteran status in patient records to ensure appropriate care and referrals
  • Provide access to specialist NHS services for veterans
  • Support the Armed Forces Covenant

If you are a veteran or a family member of someone who has served, please let us know — we are here to support you.

Updated: 08/07/2025

There is a huge network of organisations supporting the Armed Forces community, so finding the right one for your needs can be tricky.

Find support for UK armed forces veterans and their families, including help with finance, healthcare, employment, housing, social care and more as well as links to various organisations supporting the Armed Forces community below: 

Support for veterans and their families - GOV.UK

Guidance from the Northern Cancer Alliance

NHS Mental Health support for veterans, leavers and reservists

Updated:  08/07/2025

The first call for help takes courage. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or wellbeing problems, expert help is available from Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service.

If you’re due to leave the Armed Forces, just left the Armed Forces or left many years ago, Op COURAGE is here to help. You will be able to speak to people who:

• understand the Armed Forces and military life
• are either from the Armed Forces community or highly experienced in working with Serving personnel, Reservists, Veterans and their families
• will work with you to make sure you get the right type of specialist care, support, and treatment.

The service can be contacted directly by yourself or you can ask your GP, a charity or someone else, such as a family member or friend, to do this on your behalf.

What will happen when you contact Op COURAGE

To make sure you get the right care and support, you will first have an assessment by someone who understands the specific needs of the Armed Forces community.

The service offers a range of treatment, which includes:

• working with Defence Medical Services to make sure you get mental health care and support as you transition from the military to civilian life
• recognising the early signs of mental health problems and providing care and treatment for this
• therapeutic treatment for more advanced mental health conditions and psychological trauma
• intensive emergency care and treatment if you’re in a crisis
• helping you to access other NHS services if needed, such as ‘Improving access to psychological therapies’ (IAPT) and eating disorder services
• working with charities and local organisations to support you with your wider health and wellbeing needs, such as housing, relationships, finances, employment, drug and alcohol misuse and social support.

For more information, visit the NHS website at www.nhs.uk/opcourage. 

Updated: 24/06/2025