Veteran Support

Armed Forces Friendly

We’re proud to be an Armed Forces Friendly accredited practice. Whether you’re currently serving or a veteran, support is available for you and your family.

Thanks to our accreditation with the Royal College of General Practitioners, we can better identify, understand and support ex-forces patients. This includes faster access to dedicated NHS services when needed.

It also shows that we reflect the Armed Forces Covenant which says:

“The Armed Forces community, including veterans, should face no disadvantage in accessing health services and should receive priority care for military-attributable conditions, subject to clinical need.”

A veteran is anyone who has served in the Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve) for at least one day. That also includes members of the Merchant Navy who served in war zones.

Around 18,000 people leave the Armed Forces each year. Most have similar health outcomes to civilians, but about 2,000 are medically discharged. If you’ve served, please let us know at your next appointment or contact us. You’re not alone. We’re here to help.

We have collated a lot of information below for you, but if you want a quick glance though the available services, check out the flipbook here

Let Us Know If You’ve Served

If you’ve ever served in the Armed Forces, even just for one day, please let us know.

We’ll record this in your NHS record so you can access:

Specialist support services for veterans
Faster referrals for military-related health concerns
Better understanding of your unique needs

If you’re a partner, child, parent or close family member of someone who has served or is serving, tell us that too – support is out there for you as well. You can tell us when you next come in, fill out our form, or just mention it in your next message to us. It helps us help you better.

Support Options for Veterans and Families

Mental Health

Mental Health Support

Mental health conditions can affect anyone, including veterans, reservists, and their families. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.

Find practical resources, services and support on the NHS page:
NHS Veterans Mental Health Support

Life After Service

Life After Service: Help Adjusting to Civvy Street

Leaving the Armed Forces can be a major life change – whether it was last year or 20 years ago. Support is available no matter when you served.

Many veterans experience challenges adjusting to civilian life, including with work, housing, mental health, or simply feeling understood. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to face it all at once.

Here are some places that can help:

Op COURAGE: Mental health and wellbeing support
Veterans Gateway: Advice on everything from housing to PTSD
Royal British Legion: Help with finances, employment and more
SSAFA: Local support and specialist services

Don’t wait until things get worse, reach out and let someone walk alongside you.

You can also ask to speak to one of our GPs if you’re unsure where to start.

Family Support for Veterans

Families serve too, and they deserve support.

The families of serving personnel and veterans often face unique pressures, including the emotional impact of deployment, relocation, and the transition back to civilian life. If you’re a partner, parent, or child of someone who has served, there’s help available for you too.

You can access:

Op COURAGE : offers support for family members as well as veterans
SSAFA : has dedicated support for families and children of serving personnel and veterans
Veterans’ Gateway : connects families to counselling, housing, financial advice and more

You can also speak to someone at the surgery if you’re not sure where to start.

More Help & Additional Services