Hub opens in Manchester for veterans with complex mental health issues
The charity provides specialist treatment and support for veterans and their families from every service and conflict, focusing on those with complex mental health issues related to their military service.
It is one of six hubs run by Combat Stress in the UK.
The charity’s new premises will serve veterans from across the North of England and is the regional base for a consultant psychiatrist, psychologists, psychological therapists, occupational therapy, nursing, substance misuse support, and peer and family support. The hub serves as a centre for all North of England activities including online, outpatient and community services.
The team at the new hub will be working in the same building as the Leeds and Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which runs some of the Op Courage veterans mental health services for the area.
Over the last year, Combat Stress has already supported nearly 8,000 veterans in the North of England, with over 1000 living in, or near, Greater Manchester. Our North of England hub will help provide a more accessible service to those veterans and to better serve those who need us in the area.
How does the service work?
The first step on a veteran’s journey is to call the 24-hour Helpline, which is free to call on 0800 138 1619. After assessment, specialist clinical staff work with the veteran to plan their treatment to best suit their needs.
There are four areas of treatment available, and each treatment plan is unique to the veteran and their own needs.
A veteran’s treatment may comprise of one or more of the following areas:
- Building resilience: this treatment is about giving veterans a toolbox to cope better and improve the quality of their life
- Managing the consequences of their trauma on you and their relationships: this is about offering help for some of the particular difficulties that come with complex mental health problems (for example low self-esteem, strengthening relationships, managing emotions).
- Trauma-focused treatment: this is offered when a veteran has enough skills to manage trauma-focused treatment.
- Looking to the future: this helps veterans feel connected to the wider world and helps them find practical ways to build resilience.
Dr Felix Davies, Director of Operations, Combat Stress said: “The vast majority of those leaving the Armed Forces go on to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives. However, there is a small but significant group who develop trauma-related mental health problems related to their service.
Lives can become desperate. Anxiety, anger, depression, isolation, alcohol and drug misuse and in some cases suicide – can all tear families apart, destroy relationships and devastate lives. It is Combat Stress’ aim to help as many veterans as possible with military trauma.
Opening this important new hub in the North of England is a significant milestone in over 100 years of Combat Stress supporting veterans’ mental health, and serving those who have served their country”
The new Manchester hub will also allow Combat Stress to strengthen its partnerships in the North of England. The charity delivers elements of the NHS-commissioned ‘Op Courage’ mental health service to veterans alongside NHS Trusts and other charities. By being located more closely together, Combat Stress will be able to provide more joined-up services to veterans, across both its NHS-commissioned services and those funded by donations.
Combat Stress has a 24-hour helpline, 0800 138 1619 available to all veterans and their families for confidential mental health advice and support. A range of online self-guided resources, created by the specialist clinical team, in partnership with veterans are also available for veterans’ families and employers of veterans. Visit https://selfhelp.combatstress.org.uk
