Defence minister heads to Uni to meet mental health team

THE defence minister has visited Reading to meet a ‘trailblazing’ mental health team that is supporting Armed Forces veterans, writes James Aldridge, local democracy reporter.

The Minister of Defence People and Veterans, Leo Docherty MP (Conservative, Aldershot), met with military veterans and mental health experts from Berkshire’s NHS to learn about the vital support available.

The visit took place at visited the South Central NHS Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service clinic space at the University of Reading’s Whiteknights campus on Thursday April 28.

Mr Docherty toured the clinic which has recently undergone a refurbishment.

The service, known as OpCourage, is a dedicated service designed to help former UK armed forces personnel and reservists access treatment and support from the NHS and third sector partners, including specialist psychological therapy on the NHS for veterans for issues more common to those who have served: such as anger management, addictions and psychological trauma.It supports around 400 veterans and is now in its 10th year.

On the visit, Mr Docherty said: “It was great to meet with OpCourage service users and staff in Reading, to find out more about how this bespoke support for veterans has benefitted members of the armed forces community.

“I encourage veterans who may be struggling to reach out to their GP to access the dedicated health and wellbeing support available.”

Gemma, a veteran who’s accessed the OpCourage service, said: “I served in the Royal Medical Corps for 18 and half years before I was medically discharged.

“I was out of the armed forces for about 14 months and feeling like I was failing. I didn’t want to be the burden I felt I’d become but getting help was considered weak.

“Treatment for myself was quite intense, it was exhausting – and absolutely worth it.

“Before, I felt like I was a bit of a shadow. Now I can get back to what matters – and that’s living not just existing. I’m a human being, I’m doing things, I’m participating.”

Sulle, a fellow veteran who has accessed the service, said: “I attended two mental health service providers. They weren’t the right fit for me but then I found OpCourage. As soon as I walked through the door I knew they were right service for me. So professional.

“They could see what I couldn’t see when I told them what I had been through.

“They showed such empathy and they were fantastic.”