Military veterans are being asked to help an NHS Foundation better serve people with mental illness

NHS Fylde and Wyre Clinical Commissioning Group is calling on Armed Forces veterans to share their experience of mental health services and help improve future care across the area.

The Clinical Commissioning Group is helping to promote a national survey to help improve the care available for veterans as they move from military to civilian life.

The survey is a chance for veterans to share their experiences and views of existing mental health services and to understand the reasons why some people have not sought or received support and treatment. In addition to seeking views from veterans, family members and carers, as well as staff and organisations that are providing treatment and support in this area are all able to take part.

The NHS currently provides 12 mental health services across England specifically for veterans.

They enable specialist staff to care for ex-forces personnel with mental health needs, direct them to the most appropriate service and give them effective treatment.

With new contracts due in the next year, this is an opportunity to develop future services that take account of current experiences.

Dr Tony Naughton, clinical chief officer for Fylde and Wyre Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

Dr Jonathan Leach, chairman of NHS England’s Armed Forces and their Families Clinical

Reference Group, said:

It is hoped that thinking about their experiences will help veterans to start breaking down some of the stigma when it comes to talking about mental health issues.

One veteran to benefit from the care delivered by NHS staff was Tony Stubbs, who served three years in the Army and was struggling after his time in the military ended.