LISTEN: New veterans mental health service in Inverness
Joint initiative hoped to help Highland servicemen and women
Veterans First Point Highland, a mental health service for veterans, has been launched to provide support and a point of contact for servicemen and women. Gary Gray is head of welfare services at Poppyscotland:- The service is the result of an initiative which also includes Poppyscotland and NHS Highland. Veterans First Point Highland joins a network of eight regional services across Scotland and it will offer a range of mental health support, information and signposting. With a project lead, a psychological therapist and two veteran peer support workers, the team will work alongside the existing Poppyscotland staff. The peer support element is a critical component – these individuals are ex-Servicemen and women who understand the unique nature of military life and the difficulties that can arise as a result. They will be the first point of contact for veterans accessing Veterans First Point and will guide them through the support, helping to identify additional health and wellbeing opportunities. Poppyscotland, which opened its doors in Inverness three years ago, is a vital source of information, advice and support. The charity believes that this new partnership will be hugely beneficial for veterans. People wishing to access Poppyscotland or Veterans First Point can do so by visiting the centre at Strothers Lane, Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. Tel 01463 710300.