Healthcare case studies: Provision of tailored services
***This Covenant case study database is still being built. If you have any case studies about provision of tailored services, suitable for adding to the database, please submit a case study.***
Provision of bespoke NHS health services
- Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service
- Op RESTORE: The Veterans Physical Health and Wellbeing Service
- The Veterans NHS Wales service is a specialised, priority service for veterans in Wales experiencing mental health difficulties resulting from their Service in the Armed Forces. The service was formed in response to the specific and evolving needs of veterans. Not only does the service tackle the disadvantage resulting from their time in the Armed Forces, it also provides specific treatment pathways for unique conditions. NHS Wales also operates a Veterans Trauma Network.
- Veterans First Point provides a similar service for veterans living in Scotland.
Provision of bespoke services in the community
- The Integrated Personal Commissioning for Veterans Framework (IPC4V) is a personalised care approach for a very small number of veterans with complex and enduring physical, neurological and mental health conditions resulting from injury whilst in Service. The bespoke care they receive ensures they are effectively supported as they transition to civilian life and beyond.
- In Tameside, an allotment project provides veterans with mental health issues, addictions, or isolation, a place to engage in physical activity while having a network of support. In Rhondda Cynon Taff and Vale of Glamorgan, a free movie night was set up for veterans and their families to support those with PTSD who were triggered by local fireworks. Both councils also secured external funding to enable veterans suffering from loneliness, who were prevented from attending their weekly meetup support groups during Covid-19, to purchase computer tablets. Training to use the tablets was provided, and the tablets were linked to a live events calendar.
- Veterans First Point drop-in services are available in six health areas in Scotland, developed by veterans and clinicians for veterans. This offers a ‘one stop shop’ for help and assistance to veterans and their families, no matter what that need might be, not just for physical or mental health issues, but for housing, socialising, education, employment, and other issues. Veterans can access support centres and in some cases are assigned a peer support worker who can recommend therapies, make referrals, navigate veteran support services or assist with practical steps to get veterans back on their feet.
- Surrey Fire and Rescue Service worked with partners to set up a monthly hub at the Surrey Fire Service. The hub provides a safe place for members of the Armed Forces Community to come together, share stories, make friends and access relevant support (particularly around health and welfare). The hub plays a significant role in establishing a network of likeminded veterans who have not only benefitted from the regular camaraderie and friendly interaction, but on several occasions received life-saving support, a new job and help to find housing.