Mental Health Resources for Serving Personnel and Veterans
Surf Action
A local Cornish charity which supports veterans living with psychological and physical trauma, and any who are struggling to re-adjust to civilian life. They regularly run surfing sessions for veterans and their families at Newquay beach. They have also developed programmes to support veterans who wish to learn new skills.
http://www.surfaction.co.uk/index.php
Cornwall’s Veterans Service
A mental health service based in Liskeard for ex-service personnel who served in the British armed forces. The veteran’s community therapist can provide direct treatment and help you to access other services to support your wellbeing.
https://www.cornwallft.nhs.uk/community-veterans-service/
We Are With You
Support service for alcohol and drug misuse. We Are With You run a free programme specifically for veterans in Cornwall called Right Turn. To find out about more about the programme please call their Truro hub on 01872 263001. Services are available in Liskeard, Truro and Penzance.
https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk
Dementia Voice PL12 Veterans Group
This social group is open to anyone who has served in the armed forces (including national service and merchant navy), lives in the PL12 area, and is in any way affected by dementia. They meet every other Saturday in Saltash, for tea, quizzes, entertainment, and day trips in a safe and friendly environment.
https://www.cepl12.co.uk/dementia-voice/
Contact: Carol Emmet, Facilitator carol.emmett@cepl12.co.uk 07969 597748
The Bodmin Armed Forces Breakfast Club
The club meets on the third Saturday of the month at Bodmin Keep. The Club is a great place to meet like-minded people for support, chat, enjoy some banter and have a delicious breakfast.
Contact: Derek Coad at derekgcoad@gmail.com or 07900498909
Organisations across the UK
Rifles Care for Casualties Appeal
Care for Casualties has been set up to ensure that Riflemen, their families, and the families of the fallen receive the support they need. They fundraise to ensure the Rifles community have access to mental health support, training and education opportunities, and hardship grants.
https://theriflesnetwork.co.uk/page/care-for-casualties
Veterans Gateway
A service which puts veterans in touch with the organisations that will best support their needs. They have an easy-to-use app which helps to identify organisations in your local area.
https://www.veteransgateway.org.uk/
The Army’s Mental Resilience Training (MRT) programme
A series of videos designed to help soldiers develop effective coping strategies to ensure mental resilience.
Combat Stress
The UK’s leading charity for veteran’s mental health, providing specialist treatment, with a focus on complex mental health issues.
https://www.combatstress.org.uk/
HeadFIT for Life
An online platform designed specifically for military personnel, offering 24/7 access to self-help tools to support mental wellbeing.
Models for Heroes
Models for Heroes promotes model making as a creative therapy for mental health conditions. They run modelling sessions across the UK, providing safe and friendly spaces for ex-service personnel to interact and share their love of the hobby.
One World Mindfulness
Captain Pat Burgess MBE runs mindfulness classes for the military and has launched a free online course for the Army. You can find his podcast and links to his YouTube channel on his website.
https://www.oneworldmindfulness.co.uk/
SSAFA, The Armed Forces Charity
SSAFA support members of the armed forces, veterans and their families, who find themselves in need or distress, from financial difficulty, to physical injuries, to mental health problems.
For Friends & Family
Liskeard Carers & Veterans group
A support event in Liskeard for veterans and their carers. Contact Linda Byrne, Veteran Support Coordinator 07792167388 to get involved.
Mind
Mind is one of the leading mental health charities in the UK. Their website features some useful resources for carers, friends, and family who support people with mental health conditions.
HelpGuide
A brilliant resource for understanding various forms of mental health problems. Their resource on PTSD support might be particularly useful for anyone caring for someone who has been through a traumatic experience.
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/ptsd-trauma/helping-someone-with-ptsd.htm
Mental Health Foundation
The Mental Health Foundation has put together this resource to help people understand more about psychological issues and how you can support friends or family who live with mental health conditions.
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/supporting-someone-mental-health-problem