Wellbeing support for Armed Forces community

There is a wealth of support for colleagues and their families who are in or have served in the Armed Forces. Below is some signposting that is available for some specific support to support you and your families, from individuals who know what it is like to serve, what the challenges are, what the life is like being in the Armed Forces, but how it may impact or influence your life now. The change from non-military life may lead to feelings of feeling overwhelmed, difficulties in feelings attached to life, people or communities outside of the miliary world.

It is important to note that this is not extensive, if you would like to talk to colleagues at SFH and would like to join the armed forces and veterans group please contact Leanne Featherstone on leanne.featherstone1@nhs.net. If you would like to talk to the Wellbeing Team regarding support please email the team on sfh-tr.wellbeing@nhs.net.

Organisation	Who they are	Contact details
Department for Work and Pensions	Support for Armed Forces personnel and their families access Jobcentre Plus Services.	Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Rutland: afc.linc-notts-rutalnd@dwp.gov.uk
Harmless	National provider supporting those experiencing self-harm, bereaved by suicide and those having thoughts of suicide and self-harm. Open to all (not a veteran specific service), open to children and adults of all age. You can self-refer or referral done by a professional is possible also. Referrals made via the Harmless website.	Website: Support Available - Harmless
Nottinghamshire County Council	Information and signposting support to a range of services, breakfast clubs for social support and understanding spaces with other Veterans. List of Armed Forces Champions and Advocates.	Website: Armed Forces Hub \| Nottinghamshire County Council online platform for enquiries.
Op COMMUNITY	Support in liaising with other organisations on your behalf on safe transfers and continuity of care for those transferring into the area. Continuation of treatment and maintain your place on the NHS waiting lists if you are awaiting treatment. Advice on Veteran friendly GP practices within your local area.	Telephone: 0116 225 6858 Email: ipt.opcommunity@nhs.net or afn.admin@nhs.net
Op COURAGE	Provides a broad range of specialist mental health and wellbeing care for Service Leavers, Reservists, Veterans and their families. Helping with transition from military to civilian life, recognising early signs of mental health conditions and trauma. Offer support on substance addiction and misuse. They can also liaise with other organisations on yourself regarding housing, finances and accessing local services. You can self-refer to your local service or ask a healthcare. professional, family member, friend or charity to do this for you. It does not matter how long you have served or how long ago it was to access the service. YouTube: NHS video on what Op COURAGE is and how it can help	Telephone: 0300 323 0137 or emotional support line on 0300 323 0139 Email: mevs.mhm@nhs.net Website: Op COURAGE \| The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service (opcouragemidlands.nhs.uk)
OP FORTITTUDE	Support on homelessness and finding suitable accommodation or maintain your current home. Support on emergency accommodation.	Telephone: 0800 952 0774 Website: www.riv.org.uk/opfortitude
Op NOVA	Forces Employment Charity offering practical and emotional support. Examples include registering with GPs. Families programme to support spouses and partners of still serving personnel and veterans (including those who are divorces, separated and bereaved). Mentoring and career guidance also available for service children and young people aged 16-24 years old. Op Nova is a support mechanism for veterans that are already within, or potentially about to enter the UK justice system. This may be interaction with the Police or criminal services.	Telephone: 0121 262 3058 Email: info@forcesemployment.org.uk Website: www.forcesemployment.org.uk/opnova
Op RESTORE	Support on physical health and wellbeing for individuals who have served or are leaving the UK Armed Forces who have continuing, physical health injuries and related medical conditions attributed to their time in the Armed Forces. Referrals done through your GP.	Email: imperial.oprestore@nhs.net Website: www.nhs.uk/oprestore
Royal British Legion	Physical and mental health support, finances, employment support, local community connections.	Telephone: 0808 802 8080 Website www.rbl.org.ukc
SSAFA	Practical, emotional, decision making and career support. Confidential support and signposting to specialist services. Support on welfare and benefits.	Telephone: 020 7403 8783 Website: www.ssafa.org.uk
VIVUP: Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)	EAP specific to SFH for all colleagues to access. Medirest Colleagues please see you HR team for your EAP Scheme. Not a Veterans specific service but support via counselling sessions by trained counsellors, in the moment support available and confidential support line. Website with access for further information through signposting materials and benefit schemes.	Telephone: 0330 380 0658 Website: Employee Benefits Platform Focus On Employee Engagement \| Vivup (vivupbenefits.co.uk)