If you’re a veteran, or current serving member of the military forces, this guide explains what mental health services are currently available for veterans, serving military personnel, reservists and their family members.
It’s important to remember that you are not alone and mental health can affect anyone.
I felt that if I admitted that I was struggling I would never get back into uniform, so it was something I didn’t deal with until almost 15 years later, when I finally had a breakdown and admitted I needed help. It’s important there is more knowledge and understanding across healthcare about the mentality of veterans who struggle to ask for help.
- former RAF driver, Andy Jepson
Mental Health Helplines and Resources for Veterans
Combat Stress - 24/7 Mental Health Helpline
If you would like to speak to someone over the phone, there are a number of specific veteran mental health charities including Combat Stress, which offer a 24-hour helpline.
Their contact details are:
- 24/7 helpline - 0800 138 1619
- Serving personnel and their families can call 0800 323 4444.
- Alternatively, you can text 07537 173683 or email helpline@combatstress.org.uk.
NHS Urgent Mental Health Helpline
NHS 111 – to access medical help fast but when it’s not a 999 emergency, telephone 111 (available 24 hours). To access information from the NHS on conditions, treatments, local services and healthy living, follow the link to NHS Choices.
Samaritans 24/7 Helpline
Samaritans freephone 116 123 ROI 1850 609090 (24/7) or email jo@samaritans.org to access confidential emotional support for feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts.
Veterans Gateway
The Veterans' Gateway service covers welfare needs of veterans and their families. Call Veterans Gateway on 0808 802 1212 or text 81212.
Forcesline
Forcesline is a confidential telephone helpline and email service that provides support for serving personnel, former members of the Armed Forces and their families.
Forcesline telephone helpline: 0800 7314880 (Monday – Friday 10.30 – 19.30), live chat or email.
Togetherall
Togetherall is a safe, online service providing access to millions with anxiety, depression and other common mental health issues. Free for serving personnel, veterans, family members and carers.
Shout
Shout is a crisis text support service for people in the military community who are struggling and need immediate support to get through a crisis. Text SHOUT to 85258.
Op COURAGE
As well as the NHS Helpline, on behalf of the NHS, Op COURAGE is available to serving personnel due to leave the military, as well as reservists, veterans and their families.
Blesma backs this NHS mental health specialist service and wellbeing programme, which specifically aims to support people struggling after military service.
Op COURAGE offers a range of support and treatment options that can ease the transition from military to civilian life and helps veterans access mental health care with Defence Medical Services. The scheme, which has helped more than 30,000 veterans since it was launched in 2017 now offers a new, improved and streamlined service – developed by veterans for veterans, with care provided by trained professionals who are from, or have experience working with the Armed Forces community.
Op COURAGE can be accessed directly at regional hubs or via your GP or a military charity, such as Blesma. Its mission is to connect veterans with specialist care, support and treatment for specific individual needs.
For more information on Op COURAGE please visit the NHS website. If you are a current Member of Blesma, please contact your designated Support Officer for assistance with accessing Op COURAGE.
General Wellbeing Advice
On our website we have a number of wellbeing resources about how to manage stress. Sometimes physical pain can also result in decreased mental health. If you’re experiencing phantom limb pain, or need advice about stump care, make sure to have a read through our online resources.
Blesma Membership
Have you thought about becoming a Blesma Member? If you have served in the British Armed Forces and have suffered a life changing injury, either during or after your service you may be eligible for Blesma Membership.
Being a Blesma Member can give you access to advice on benefits and prosthetics, as well as financial assistance, a programme of wellbeing activities, emotional support and much more.
If you are a current Blesma Member and in need of mental health support, please don’t hesitate to contact your Blesma Support Officer. Our Support Officers can arrange specialist professional counselling and provide advice on living with limb loss or loss of use of limbs.