Army uniform

As a supporter of the Armed Forces, we are proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, which is a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or who have served in the UK Armed Forces (and their families) are treated fairly. It includes a core statement of commitment that no member of the Armed Forces community should face disadvantage in the provision of public or commercial services compared to any other citizen and that in some circumstances, special treatment may be appropriate. Veterans and their families should not be disadvantaged from accessing appropriate health services, for example, if they are on a waiting list and are changing their location. The NHS always prioritises people with the most urgent clinical need first, but thereafter it is important that armed forces service related injuries receive timely treatment.

Employer Recognition Scheme The Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) was launched in 2014 to recognise employer support for the wider principles of the Armed Forces Covenant. The scheme encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for employers that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to Defence and the Armed Forces community. This includes the Reserves, Service leavers, Armed Forces veterans, the wounded, injured and sick, Cadets, military spouses or partners and their families. The Trust committed and signed up to fulfilling the pledges.

  1. Veterans Gateway
  2. SSAFA
  3. Combat Stress
  4. Help for Heroes
  5. British Legion
  6. PTSD Resolution
  7. StepWay
  8. Op Courage and Op Restore (Please note that while Op Courage is a mental health support service, Op Restore is physical health and wellbeing)

Armed Forces special stakeholder brief 

Specialist care for Service leavers, reservists, veterans and their families

I want to keep a healthy mind

Self-help guides

The NHS have produced a range of self-help guides that can be viewed as a PDF or an audio version. To view the guides please visit the self-help guides bookshelf (opens in new window).

Relaxation techniques

Exploring relaxation can help you look after yourself when you're feeling stressed or worried. Why not try these relaxation routines and see how relaxation can fit into your daily life? Listen to the audio guides here. 

SilverCloud online therapy

SilverCloud courses are designed to help you improve and maintain your wellbeing by changing the way you think and feel about things.

There are several free courses to pick from including positive body image, panic, covid-19, depression, anxiety, stress and many more.

All you need is access to the internet and sound on a computer, tablet or mobile. The programme is flexible so you can use it anytime, anyplace, and anywhere. They feature videos, activities, quizzes, audio guides and your own online journal. Find out more on the SilverCloud website page.

Every Mind Matters

Expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing. Visit the Every Mind Matters website. 

Here2Help (if you live in Worcestershire)

Here2Help is a service that offers support for people of all ages. It includes information, advice, tools, guidance and local support available in the local community. 

Talk Community (if you live in Herefordshire)

Talk Community is helping residents, businesses, community leaders and our council to make Herefordshire a better place to live and work. 

Podcasts

Podcasts can be a really good way of relaxing the mind, listen to features, interviews and a number of people involved in mental health, including people have experience mental health difficulties, campaigners and mental health experts. To find out more visit the podcast resources page.

I’m struggling and have been for a couple of weeks

NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Talking Therapies

The NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Talking Therapies team are trained and experienced in supporting a wide range of more common mental health issues. Mostly this involves ‘talking therapy’ approaches. Talking therapy could involve group discussion, or more traditional 1:1 sessions. We also provide online courses which the team can guide you through. To find out more about the service and self-refer visit the service webpage.

Qwell

Free mental wellbeing support including online chat and forums - Visit Qwell.

GP

Visit your GP practice team to discuss the best options for you, including access to specialist services.

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Wellbeing and Recovery College

Courses and workshops to give people the tools, skills and understanding that they need for their own wellbeing and recovery. Visit the Recovery College website here. 

Employment support (part of the Healthy Minds service)

Mental Health Matters are working in partnership with Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust to provide employment-related support to individuals who are accessing NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Talking Therapies.

I need urgent advice

Urgent NHS mental health helpline

Call the free local NHS urgent mental health helpline 0808 196 9127 if you need advice and support quickly. (24 hours a day 365 days a year).

Call 999

For free, if you are seriously injured, have taken an overdose or if there is an immediate risk to life.

MIND: www.mind.org.uk     

Samaritans freephone: 116-123    

Shout: Text “SHOUT” to 85258