Wellbeing and community support

Useful links for healthcare services and local support

Priority Healthcare for Veterans

“From 1 January 2008, all veterans should receive priority access to NHS secondary care for any conditions which are likely to be related to their service, subject to the clinical needs of all patients.” (Source: NHS Choices, 2015)

Families and Veterans should not be disadvantaged when accessing health services. Changes have been made to the NHS Constitution in England to embed the principles of the Covenant. For example if on a waiting list in one area, and then reposted, that time already spent on a waiting list should be considered by the receiving health authority. This applies to all treatment for physical, dental and mental issues under the NHS.

Whilst serving in the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence takes responsibility for general medical healthcare. Upon leaving the Armed Forces ex-service personnel will need to register with a GP on the NHS.

Urgent medical help

In the event of a medical emergency, or feeling suicidal, or at risk of harming others, please call 999.

If you need urgent medical help, but it’s not a 999 emergency, call:

• NHS 111, which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year
• NHS Op COURAGE on 0300 034 9991

Healthcare

NHS Choices provides healthcare information for the Armed Forces Community, including service personnel, reservists, families and veterans.

Essex Connects is the place to find local activities and to help you to get in touch with hundreds of local charities, voluntary groups, and community sector services across Essex including Braintree, Colchester and Tendring.

Mental Wellbeing

NHS Op COURAGE provide mental health and wellbeing support for service leavers, reservists, veterans and their families.  

Telephone
0300 034 9991

Combat Stress is the UK's leading veterans' mental health charity providing free treatment and support 24 hours a day.

Telephone
0800 138 1619

Help for Heroes Hidden Wounds provides confidential support delivered by psychological wellbeing practitioners, often over the phone or on Skype, so that you can easily access support from all around the country.

Telephone
0808 2020 144

Togetherall is a safe, online community where people support each other anonymously to improve mental health and wellbeing.

Healthy Lifestyle

Livewell is a campaign that promotes healthy messages and aims to support residents to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

Tom Harrison House is a specialist facility providing an addiction recovery programme exclusively to military veterans, reservists, serving personnel and their families. 12 week programme – supported accommodation for the programme duration in a dedicated recovery house.

Telephone
0151 909 8481

Local - Further Help

Colchester Mind provides support for those who are stressed, depressed or in crisis.