Health support service trial for armed forces community in Rutland
It's one of just 6 areas that's been chosen for the trial
A new health support scheme for veterans and armed forces members is being trialled in Leicestershire and Rutland.
Op Community will provide information and signposting to current and former members of the armed forces to help them access the correct healthcare services.
The scheme, hosted by the Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, is one of just six pilots running across the country.
Anyone who calls regarding a mental or physical health concern will be directed to the relevant service.
Ex-army officer Ian Razzell says it's a great idea for armed forces members that're unfamiliar with the health service:
'If you're a service family and you're trying to navigate the NHS - if you've been stationed in Cyprus for two years and you come back, it's highly likely that you won't understand how the NHS works.'
'Rutland is setting the example in terms of supporting its armed forces community. If I look at other areas of the country, they will probably look at Rutland and wonder how we do as much as we do, for such a small place.'
'It's incredibly difficult for a veteran to say that they need help. The culture they come from is very much a close family. They don't want to burden society; there's still some stiff upper lip in there.'
Op Community is available on telephone: 0116 225 6858 (9am – 5pm weekdays)
Callers will receive an initial response within 48 hours and a full working response within five days.
Op Community is funded by NHS England, sponsored by the LLR ICB and hosted by LPT for an initial period of 18 months.