If you are a veteran of the UK Armed Forces and live in Essex, help is available. This page brings together trusted NHS and partner organisations that can support your physical health, mental health, housing, employment, wellbeing and other needs. Information about these services is available from national NHS and partner websites.
Need urgent help?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.
If you need urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option, or visit NHS 111 online.
Who is this page for?
This page is for veterans living in Essex. Some services also support serving personnel who are due to leave the Armed Forces, reservists, and family members or carers.
Am I a veteran?
Anyone who has served at least one day in the UK Armed Forces is considered a veteran.
Can I access services if I left the Armed Forces many years ago?
Many services for veterans are available regardless of when you left the Armed Forces. For example, Op COURAGE and Op RESTORE support eligible veterans whether they left military service recently or many years ago. Eligibility criteria vary between services, so check the relevant service website for full details.
Tell your GP practice that you are a veteran
If you have served in the UK Armed Forces, tell your GP practice that you are a veteran.
Why should I tell my GP practice that I am a veteran?
Having your veteran status recorded on your medical record can help you access specialist healthcare and support for veterans.
If your GP practice does not already know that you have served in the Armed Forces, contact them and ask for your veteran status to be added to your medical record.
You may also wish to register with a Veteran Friendly Accredited GP Practice. These practices have received additional training and support to help them understand the health needs of veterans and signpost people to appropriate services.
Find a Veteran Friendly Accredited GP Practice
View the list of Veteran Friendly Accredited GP PracticesHealthcare support for veterans
Need support with your mental health?
Op COURAGE is a dedicated NHS service for veterans, reservists, service leavers and their families.
You can find information about specialist mental health support, treatment options, eligibility and how to self-refer or access the service through a healthcare professional.
Visit Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service – Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust to find out more.
Do you have a physical health condition linked to your military service?
Op RESTORE provides specialist NHS support for veterans with service-related physical health injuries or conditions.
You can find information about who can use the service, how to get referred and what support it offers.
Referrals to this service must be made by a GP.
Visit Op RESTORE: Veterans Physical Health and Wellbeing Service to find out more.
Wider support for the Armed Forces community
Looking for work, training or career support?
Op ASCEND helps veterans and their families access career advice, employment opportunities and skills development.
You can find information about careers after military service, training opportunities and support to achieve your employment goals.
Visit Op ASCEND – Careers After Service to find out more.
Worried about housing or homelessness?
Op FORTITUDE supports veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
You can find information about housing advice, accommodation options and specialist support for veterans experiencing housing difficulties.
Visit Op FORTITUDE- Riverside Care and Support to find out more.
Need support while involved with the criminal justice system?
Op NOVA provides practical and emotional support to veterans who are in contact with the criminal justice system.
You can find information about advice, practical support and help to access other services.
Visit Op NOVA | Forces Employment Charity to find out more.
Other support for the Essex Armed Forces community
Looking for support beyond healthcare?
Essex County Council provides information and links to a range of services for the Armed Forces community, including housing, employment, education, finances, wellbeing and community support.
Visit Essex Armed Forces Community Covenant | Essex County Council to find out more.
Can family members access support?
Some services, including Op COURAGE, can provide support for family members affected by a veteran’s mental health and wellbeing needs. Other organisations within the Armed Forces community also offer support for families and carers. Eligibility varies between services, so please check the provider’s website for full details.
Visit Mental health support for veterans, service leavers and reservists – NHS or Op COURAGE – The NHS Veterans Mental Health & Wellbeing Service | Royal British Legion to find out more.