CELEBRATIONS 10 years of helping veterans
A MENTAL healthcare support service for military veterans living in Wales is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Veterans’ NHS Wales (VNHSW) is a Wales-wide NHS outpatient service for former military personnel suffering with mental health problems.
It has received more than 3,500 referrals since the service began in 2008.
Each health board has a veterans’ therapist with Cardiff & Vale University Health Board acting as the central hub.
The service offers the option to have a telephone or Skype screening assessment in the veteran’s home with a therapist who will assess for suitability.
Neil Kitchiner, director of VNHSW and consultant clinical lead, said: “I’m really proud that VNHSW is celebrating its 10-year anniversary.
“It’s really beneficial for veterans to have their own service, which they see as very separate and bespoke for them, which they see very differently from a civilian service.
“Having their name above the door signifies a special place for them, a place where they can be treated by ex-service personnel.
“Most staff within the service have a strong military connection which veterans can relate to.
“We currently work in partnership with Change Step Peer Mentoring charity and we also receive funds from Help for Heroes to employ seven peer mentors in other health boards, allowing us to offer a unique service for individuals.
“I’d like to thank everyone involved over the years with VNHSW for their input into making the service as great as it is today.”
A 10-year celebratory event was held at the Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay earlier this month, where a number of therapists met to discuss the service and guests were treated to a performance by the Re-Live Choir.
Fiona Jenkins, executive director of therapies and healthcare science at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said: “I’d like to congratulate everyone who has played a part in providing this essential service for our veterans during the past 10 years.
“The health board is proud to provide specialist support to veterans, and we hope that by using cutting edge technology and the latest treatment methods that we address some of the physical and mental health well-being challenges of those who have served their country.”