Carer of Veterans
Are you a carer for a Veteran?
The demands of caring can be overlooked but it is important to recognise the crucial role you play in helping someone else in their day to day life.
It's estimated that there are 370,000 unpaid carers in Wales and 210,000 military veterans. Many of these unpaid carers look after military veterans, while a significant number of veterans also care for family members. Yet many carers are stressed and struggling with life without getting the help and support they need to look after their own health and wellbeing.
Caring within the Armed Forces veteran community, whether you are the carer or are being cared for, can present some additional challenges. You may have come from a culture in the military where you have coped with severe risks and being a veteran you are accustomed to self sufficiency and sacrifice. You could be reluctant to admit any weakness because you are used to just getting on with it. There may also have been times in Service where you have been away from your family and friends and lost touch with those who could help. It is therefore important that you know where you can go for the right support should you need it.
Some veterans and their families will feel that support services are 'not for them' and that their needs won't be understood. However there is plenty of information and life-changing support available for veterans and their carers.
A guide to caring for the Armed Forces Veteran Community
Looking After Someone - Carers UK
Mental Health in Veterans
Veterans NHS Wales is the first point of contact for Veterans of HM Armed Forces living in Wales with, or suspected of having, common mental health problems related to their service career.
Veterans NHS Wales is based in Primary Care Mental Health Services providing assessment and evidence based psychological treatment for common mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and post traumatic stress disorder.
Who is it for?
The service is aimed at Veterans of the Armed Forces (Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force) living in Wales that suffer from common mental health difficulties of mild to moderate severity, as a result of their career in the Armed Forces.
A ‘Veteran’ is defined as anyone who has served in HM British Armed Forces in the Army, Royal Navy, or Royal Air Force for at least one day, either as a Regular serving member or as a Reservist.
Can anyone use the service?
The service is aimed at Veterans of the Armed Forces. Open access self referral / online / telephone / referral letter.
Opening Times
Usual office hours: 09.00-17.00 Monday to Friday.
Administrative cover: 08.30-12.30 Monday to Friday.
What to expect
New referrals will be screened and the veteran will be contacted by telephone for further information if required. If appropriate, the veteran will be sent an ‘opt-in’ form and consent form to be completed and returned to the service so that an initial face to face assessment with the Veterans Therapist can be arranged.
Assessment may lead to signposting to other relevant services and/or outpatient psychological therapy with the veterans’ therapist.
Psychological therapy may be offered by the veterans’ therapist comprising of brief evidence based psychological therapy in line with NICE guidelines.
Contact us
https://www.veteranswales.co.uk/
Veterans NHS Wales
1st Floor, Dewi Sant Health Park
Albert Road
Pontypridd
CF37 1LB
Tel: 01443 443443 extension 75411
email: CTT_adminVNHSW@wales.nhs.uk
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