JOINING FORCES

The NHS has launched a new service dedicated to the mental health of armed forces veterans. ‘Op Courage’ will see specialist provision for former soldiers, sailors and RAF personnel who are assessed as being in crisis, at risk of self-harm or suicide, or dealing with issues like homelessness and addiction. NHS staff will be specially trained to understand the unique experiences of ex-service personnel. Already more than 13,000 former troops have benefited from specialist care for problems such as anxiety and depression, and nearly 2,000 more have received help for more complex problems, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The new service is expected to treat around 500 people a year.