Military Veterans

A veteran is anyone who has served for at least one day in the British Military (Royal Navy including Royal Marines, British Army or Royal Air Force), including Reservists, and Merchant Mariners who have seen duty on legally defined military operations.

Anyone who fits this definition is a veteran in the UK and can use veteran-specific services.

Many people who have served in the military do not always see themselves as a veteran. It can still be helpful to be aware that there are many dedicated services and supports available for veterans.

Veterans have made important contributions to the safety and security of the United Kingdom. They have protected people, places and our way of life, both at home and overseas, through combat, peacekeeping and helping people in need.

Some military personnel can face challenges after they leave service. Fife HSCP is committed to supporting veterans to get the support and care they need to help with adjusting to civilian life and leading good lives.

While many veterans do well with the transition from military to civilian life, this is not a simple change, and many veterans can find it a challenge. Some common challenges include:

· Finding it hard to find a new purpose in life after service

· Finding it difficult to adjust to life without the structure and routine of the Forces

· Finding it difficult to relate to people who have not been in the military

· Difficulties securing civilian work and housing, accessing medical services, managing money and accessing benefits.

These challenges can cause stress and affect mental health too. If you are finding it hard making the transition from military to civilian life, there are services to help you, both in the transition itself and throughout your life

Along with the challenges of transition, veterans can experience mental health problems linked to experiences before, during or after service. These can include

· Depression

· Anxiety

· Post-traumatic stress

· Difficulties with alcohol or substance use

· Relationship difficulties

If you are a veteran experiencing a mental health problem, please know that you are not alone in this. Supports and services are there to help you get through these difficulties and move forward with your life.

There are many services available for support. Please click on the links in the sections below for further information on a particular service.

A directory of local services is also available for veterans. This can be found by searching for the app on the Google Play or the Apple Store, or visit the website: www.forcesconnect.co.uk

GP Practices:  a GP practice can provide you with various forms of support for mental health, including medication, mental health nurse appointments and referrals to mental health services. They can also refer you to certain digital therapies:

• MINDLER: typed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with a qualified therapist for a range of mental health problems. You can be referred by your GP, Mental Health Nurse, or another healthcare professional.
• Silvercloud: provides CBT programmes for a range of mental health problems. You work through your programme in your own time with regular feedback from a clinician. You can be referred by your GP, Mental Health Nurse, or another healthcare professional.

Veterans First Point (V1P) Fife: A service made by veterans for veterans, offering peer support and psychological therapy, with veteran peer support workers and a team of clinicians who are knowledgeable about veterans’ issues.  V1P Fife also hosts a veterans Drop-In for clients every two weeks, which is an opportunity to meet and socialise with other veterans in Fife.

V1P Fife works with a range of organisations, and can signpost you to services that can help with specific situations and challenges, such as housing, employment or financial difficulties.

You can self-refer to the service by calling or emailing the centre. You can also ask to be referred by a GP or another health/social care professional.

NHS Fife Adult Mental Health (AMH) Psychology Service: Offers therapy for mental health problems, like anxiety, depression, anger and trauma. If you do not want orneed a veteran-specific service, AMH could be an option for you. You can be referred by your GP, psychiatrist or another health/social care professional.

Access Therapies Fife: a website which provides information and access to  mental health support, including adult courses for depression, sleep, stress, anxiety and panic; parent courses, brief 1:1 interventions; and referred and self-referred therapy apps.

The Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmens’ Families Association (SSAFA):  A UK charity that provides practical, financial and emotional support for veterans.

 Breathing Space:   A listening and advice service low mood, depression or anxiety. Open Monday to Thursday from 6pm to 2am, and at weekends from Friday 6pm to Monday 6am. Call 0800 838 587.

Emergency Food and Support: Food banks and other organisations in Fife provide emergency food and support for people in crisis. Please follow the link to find a location near you.

Frontline Fife (Homelessness): Supports people at risk of homelessness. If you are homeless, call Fife Council on 0800 028 6231 to register as homeless and access temporary accommodation. 

NHS 111: A 24/7 helpline if you need support with mental distress, think you need A&E but it is not life/limb threatening, or need urgent care but your GP, pharmacy or dental practice is closed. Call 111 or use the website.

   Samaritans: A 24/7 helpline for people feeling low or considering suicide. Call 116 123.