For urgent medical care, please attend your nearest A&E or dial 999

If you are experiencing mental health distress or are worried about someone else’s emotional state, you can access mental health care, advice and guidance 24/7 from Devon Partnership Trust First Response Service

https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/our-services/first-response-service

You can call them 7 days a week, 365 days a year on 0808 196 8708

This NHS service for veterans supports veterans who are concerned about their mental health. The service provides a first point of contact for people aged 18 and over and is available to anyone who has completed one day’s service or more with the British Armed Forces. They also see anyone in the Merchant Navy working in support of military operations.

https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/our-services/veterans

In March 2021, NHS England and NHS Improvement announced the new name for its veterans mental health services; Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service.

This is the new overarching name for 3 services:

• The Veterans’ Mental Health Transition, Intervention and Liaison Service (TILS),
• Veterans’ Mental Health Complex Treatment Service (CTS) and
• Veterans’ Mental Health High Intensity Service (HIS).

The new name has been developed following feedback from veterans and their families to make it easier for those leaving the military and veterans to find help.

Op COURAGE provides specialist care and support for Service leavers, reservists, veterans and their families who can self refer or ask a GP, charity or someone else to refer them.

Call 0300 034 9986 or email mevs.mhm@nhs.net

The UK’s largest Armed Forces charity. From providing expert advice and guidance, to recovery and rehabilitation, through to transitioning to civilian life – they can be by your side every step of the way. And it’s not just members of the Armed Forces but their families too. If there is ever a reason they can't help, their vast network will mean that they know someone who can.

https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-support/physical-and-mental-wellbeing

The are local branches in Ivybridge, Torquay, Newton Abbot, Kingsbridge, Paignton and many more.

The Ivybridge Branch meetings normally take place on the FIRST Wednesday of the month at the Constitutional Club. 7.00pm for 7.30pm start

Torquay Branch meet at St Annes Hall, Babbacombe, Torquay.  For more information contact  torquay.memsecretary@rbl.community 

They may be able to help with:

• with the transition from service to civilian life
• to bereaved families
• if there are changes in disablement
• with any forms and help completing them if needed.

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/veterans-welfare-service

Call 02392 702232
Email Veterans-UK-VWS-South@mod.gov.uk

UK's leading charity for veterans' mental health. For almost a century the charity has helped former servicemen and women deal with issues like trauma, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. On the phone and online. In the community and at its treatment centres. Services are free of charge to veterans.

For support, contact the Combat Stress 24-hour Helpline at helpline@combatstress.org.uk or call 0800 138 1619.  

The Veterans’ Gateway is made up of a consortium of organisations and Armed Forces charities, including The Royal British Legion, SSAFA, Walking With The Wounded (WWTW) , Combat Stress and Connect Assist. It is a main point of contact for veterans seeking support, putting them and their families in touch with the organisations best placed to help with the information, advice and support they need – from healthcare and housing to employability, finances, personal relationships and more.

They provide support on:

• Housing
• Employment
• Finances
• Living independently
• Physical Health
• Mental health
• Families, communities and personal relationships
• and more.

https://www.veteransgateway.org.uk/mental-wellbeing-advice-for-veterans/

A registered charity who help the Armed Forces community live well after service.

They can provide support with:

• Physical Health
• Mental Health
• sporting and social activities across the UK, and online, to combat loneliness and isolation.
• provide financial grants for things such as home adaptations and medical equipment, to help people overcome challenges from illness or injury
• free online courses and self-help guides give people life skills so they can live independently.
• Getting people get back on their feet, if they are having money problems, need somewhere to live, are struggling to get a job, or don’t know how to apply for benefits.

https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/get-help/

Salute Her UK provide a bespoke service to all women who have served in the Armed Forces by focusing on the physical, emotional and social aspects of life while advocating, empowering, and educating women on their path to a life full of meaning and growth.

https://www.saluteher.co.uk/