Council reaches out to Charnwood's veterans amidst ongoing situation in Afghanistan

They want to raise awareness that the situation in the country may be affecting veterans' mental heath.

Charnwood Borough Council said recent reporting on the crisis may be impact the wellbeing of veterans.

They hope to raise awareness that the impact the situation in Afghanistan may be triggering difficult thoughts and feelings and could be re-traumatising some veterans or worsening conditions like PTSD.

Veterans’ families may also be impacted by the news from Afghanistan as they do what they can to support their loved ones who may be suffering the effects of trauma or as they are reminded of the loss of a loved one, killed in the conflict.

The council is asking anyone who has  concerns for someone affected by the actions in Afghanistan to reach out to them or point them in the direction of support.

You can find help via:

• Combat Stress now operating a 24-hr helpline. You can call the free, confidential Helpline on 0800 138 1619. 
  • Alternatively, you can text 07537 173683 (standard charges may apply for texts) or email helpline@combatstress.org.uk.
• If you require urgent and immediate support, you can contact Samaritans on 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org.
• Anyone in the UK or overseas can also contact the Veterans’ Gateway helpline on 0808 802 1212, or visit the website for advice and signposting to further support, including for families and the bereaved.
• Op Courage -The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service. Call 0300 323 0137 or email mevs.mhm@nhs.net. Includes the Op COURAGE urgent care and support service for The Midlands.

Jessie Owen, Director for Office for Veterans’ Affairs has released a statement: "Our priority at this time is ensuring that all veterans have access to and know where to find appropriate support, if needed at this challenging time. In the coming hours and days, the government will prioritise communications signposting available support and a new Gov.uk page has been created for this purpose."