New mental health service for veterans launches in Sussex
Veterans and their loved ones can access the service
Last updated 28th Feb 2021
Veterans across the South East facing a mental health crisis can now access dedicated help and support from a new High Intensity Service (HIS), that's now available in Sussex.
Former service personnel or even their loved ones can call a dedicated phone line to get rapid support, regardless of the length of their service.
The new service links with existing mental health services for veterans and will be available across Hampshire, Sussex, Surrey, Kent, Berkshire, Oxford and Buckinghamshire.
The service aims to step in swiftly when a veteran experiences a mental health crisis to help meet their needs during or after their crisis.
Rebecca Hankins, Veterans Mental Health Lead – Sussex High Intensity Service, said: “I am proud and excited to be part of this innovative new service providing intense support to veterans in urgent need. It is a much needed service and I am looking forward to working with our amazing partner organisations to deliver an outstanding, unique service to veterans.”
Sam Allen Chief Executive at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The High Intensity Service is an important new service for veterans who are facing mental health crisis. The service will provide individual care and support to both veterans and their families at a time when it is most needed. We are proud to work closely with veterans across the South of England. Our specialist team is looking forward to getting the new service up and running in Sussex and working alongside our partners across the South East.”
The service in the South East, based on the NHS England specification, was informed by the Trauma in Mind report, a year-long study commissioned by Solent NHS Trust and NHS England into the experience of veterans and their families who require intensive healthcare services.
Kate Davies CBE, Director of Armed Forces NHS England and NHS Improvement, said: “I am proud to see the South East of England offering the new Veterans’ Mental Health High Intensity Service (HIS). This marks significant progress in terms of mental health service provision for veterans, focusing on individual care when it is most needed. We have listened to veterans and their families to inform this new service, which includes crisis care and round the clock support to ensure those in need have access to the very best care. Over the last few years, NHS England has launched the Veterans’ Mental Health Transition, Intervention and Liaison Service (TILS) and the Veterans’ Mental Health Complex Treatment Service (CTS), which, together with the Veterans’ Mental Health High Intensity Service (HIS), now offer a complete mental health care pathway for veterans across England. I look forward to seeing all regions roll out the HIS over the coming months.”
The number for veterans or their loved ones to call if they need urgent mental health support from the High Intensity Service is 023 9438 7924.