Veterans First Point (V1P) is a comprehensive support service for veterans living in Lanarkshire.
This service was designed by veterans, for veterans, and is staffed by veteran peer workers and psychologists and offers advice and support when it is needed most.
Andy Siddaway, Professional Lead for Veterans First Point (V1P) Lanarkshire said:
“Adjusting to civilian life after service in the armed forces can be tough. Most ex-military personnel make a smooth and successful transition to civilian life, but some people struggle and benefit from some specialist support.
“We will work with you to obtain the right support from those who can best help – when you need it.
“Veterans First Point is unique. We are here for veterans who experience any issues. If you have served for one day or more in the military, territorials, reserves or merchant navy (in support of military operations), you are a veteran.
“Veterans can self-refer to V1P or be referred by other professionals. We have veteran peer support workers who engage veterans and assess any and all needs. Our peer support workers either meet those needs themselves or signpost to a range of specialist veteran support organisations. Where there are mental health needs, we have a clinical team who provide individualised, evidence-based interventions.
We recommend that referrals are discussed with veterans beforehand because whilst some want to enter a specialist veterans’ services, some don’t.”
NHS Lanarkshire continues to be proud to employ and support veterans.
Craig Cunningham, NHS Lanarkshire’s Veterans’ Champion added: “NHS Lanarkshire is fully committed to the Armed Forces Covenant and exhibits this both in terms of delivery of health services for armed forces personnel and veterans, as well as support for employment of our Reserves and veterans.
“We support our staff who have signed up as Reserves and have a range of HR policies in place for veterans, Reserves, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.”
A new national campaign is also being launched which encourages veterans to seek help with their mental health.
The campaign The Guard, by See Me, Scotland’s national programme to end mental health stigma and discrimination, is being launched in the waiting room at Edinburgh Waverley station on 29 November 2022 at 3.30pm.
In developing this campaign See Me have spoken to veterans all over Scotland, who have said that not wanting people to know what you are going through, and worries about being seen as weak, stop veterans reaching out.
To help change this, See Me, have worked with veterans, and with support from Combat Stress and the Scottish Government have developed The Guard. The campaign will focus on five veterans, who have served across the forces, sharing their stories of struggling with their mental health, keeping it from others, and eventually reaching out for help.
Portraits of the five veterans will go on display in Edinburgh Waverly station from 29 November 29 until 8 December 8, all with a QR code, which will allow people to scan and listen to the veteran’s stories.
If you are unable to visit the portraits in person, you can find out more about the campaign at https://www.seemescotland.org/priority-groups/veterans/
More information on Veterans First Point can be found here.
