Mental health campaign to reach out to East Riding veterans
It comes in the wake of recent events in Afghanistan
A campaign is reaching out to veterans across the East Riding in a bid to get them to talk.
It is encouraging those who are struggling with their mental health to access the support available.
It comes as recent developments in Afghanistan are causing worry around mental health impacts for veterans.
Family and friends of Armed Services personnel are also urged to be vigilant regarding their loved ones’ mental health and encourage them to use support if needed, as well as seeking support themselves if they too need help.
A new website – www.HullandEastYorkshireVeteranSupport.co.uk – launched as part of the campaign – details all the mental health support services that are available for veterans, serving personnel, reservists and their families. A social media toolkit and digital leaflet created for local military charities will help promote the support available and raise awareness of the importance of getting support with mental health.
Veterans are also advised to inform their GP of their service in the Armed Forces as this opens up access to even more ex-forces’ care and treatment services.
The campaign is a Hull and East Riding-wide initiative by Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, NHS Hull CCG, NHS East Riding of Yorkshire CCG and regional military support groups and charities such as Hull 4 Heroes and East Yorkshire SSAFA.
Councillor David Elvidge is the East Riding of Yorkshire Council's Veterans Champion, he said:
“In Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire, we value our Armed Forces community and recognise the commitments and sacrifices that they have made.
"It is important for veterans and their families to know that they are not alone and that support is available, not only with anxiety and mental health, but on a range of issues which impact on the lives of our Armed Forces community.
"If you are looking for help, advice, or just need someone to talk to, please visit the HullandEastYorkshireVeteranSupport.co.uk website and contact one of the organisations for support.”