Op COURAGE - NHS Veterans Mental Health & Wellbeing Service
Welcome to Op COURAGE. We are an NHS community mental health service for UK Armed Forces Veterans, non-mobilised Reservists and Service Leavers, who live in Essex or East Hertfordshire.We supplement existing NHS mental health services by providing specialist guidance and support to those who may be struggling with their mental health. Each member of our team has either a military background, or experience working with the Armed Forces Community. We understand military life and are here to help and support you.
We strive to: Help with initial mental health difficulties arising from transition out of the armed forces; Introduce you to the right health service to meet your needs, such as NHS Talking Therapies or Community Mental Health Teams. If local services are either not available or not suitable for you, we can in some cases provide treatment including specialist treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); Guide you to local and national organisations or veteran charities who can help you with other areas of your life, such as employment, housing, finances, personal relationships, alcohol/substance use concerns, general wellbeing, harmful gambling support, or criminal justice issues; Work with other NHS services to support your care and treatment, where required.
Six experienced organisations work together to deliver the Op COURAGE East of England service. Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) is the lead provider and works in partnership with Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, St Andrew’s Healthcare, Mental Health Matters, Walking With The Wounded and The Warrior Programme.
Need to chat? You can call our 24/7 veterans emotional support line on 0300 323 0139.
Who can use this service?
How are services delivered?
UK Armed Forces Veterans, non-mobilised Reservists and Service Leavers
Telephone, video or Face-to-face appointments may also be offered
To make a referral call 0300 034 9991 (8am – 8pm every day) For any queries call 01206 228774 (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday)
For referrals: Mevs.mhm@nhs.net For queries: epunft.opcourageadmin@nhs.net
Mevs.mhm@nhs.net
0300 034 9991
The Lakes Mental Health Unit Turner Road
Colchester
CO4 5JL
Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Appointments can be arranged for weekends if required.
