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Helping loved ones adjust after military service can be challenging. Many struggle with emotional wellbeing or practical hurdles like housing and employment. That’s where specialised programmes step in.

Anxious Minds Support Veterans their Families and Carers from across the North East we lead the way in holistic care. They offer counselling, PTSD guidance, and peer-led groups to reduce isolation. Their approach blends emotional aid with real-world solutions.

Collaborations with GP practices and mental health services ensure seamless access to help. Whether it’s financial advice or employment training, tailored resources are available. This article explores how to navigate these vital services.

Key Takeaways

• Holistic care combines emotional and practical support for veterans’ loved ones.
• Peer-led groups foster connections through shared experiences.
• Collaborations with healthcare providers streamline access to assistance.
• Programmes address needs like housing, finances, and mental wellbeing.
• Local resources are tailored to ease post-service transitions.

Holistic Support for Veterans and Their Families and Carers

Military service impacts not just veterans but also those closest to them. Emotional strains and practical hurdles often surface during the transition to civilian life. A network of tailored resources ensures no one faces these challenges alone.

Addressing Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health

Organisations like SSAFA provide emergency funds to prevent eviction or utility disconnection. These grants address urgent needs, offering stability during crises. The Royal British Legion (RBL) can also help in a crisis  and Anxious Minds Veteran Recovery College has its own food banks, ensuring immediate hunger relief for struggling families.

Anxious Minds complements this with peer-led support and counselling services and PTSD guidance. Their workshops foster resilience, helping loved ones navigate complex emotions. Shared experiences reduce isolation, creating a sense of community.

Practical Assistance for Daily Challenges

From housing to finances, programmes tackle real-world barriers. Veteran-specific schemes in Newcastle and Sunderland prioritise stable accommodation. Local councils also host cost-of-living portals, linking families to assistance like benefits checks.

Anxious Minds’ CV workshops and budgeting sessions empower carers with skills. Whether it’s employment training or debt management, practical solutions ease daily pressures. This dual focus—emotional and tangible—ensures comprehensive care.

Comprehensive Services Available in the North East

Communities play a pivotal role in easing post-service transitions. Across the region, specialised programmes offer a blend of professional aid and grassroots peer support. These resources ensure no one faces the journey alone.

​Supporting veterans as they transition from military to civilian life is a journey that extends beyond the individuals who served—it deeply involves their families and carers. In the North East of England, a robust network of organisations and initiatives exists to provide comprehensive support tailored to the unique challenges faced by these families and carers. This blog explores the array of resources available, ensuring that those who stand beside our veterans are well-equipped and supported.​

Understanding the Challenges

Families and carers of veterans often encounter distinct challenges, including:​

• Emotional Strain: Witnessing a loved one cope with physical injuries or mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be profoundly distressing.​
• Financial Adjustments: Transitioning from military benefits to civilian employment may impact household income, necessitating financial planning and adaptation.​
• Social Isolation: Frequent relocations during military service can result in a lack of established local support networks, leading to feelings of isolation.​

Local Support Services in the North East

Anxious Minds

• Anxious Minds is a North East-based charity dedicated to providing mental health support to veterans and their families. Their services include:
• Counseling Services: Confidential support for issues such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.​
• Outdoor Therapy: Engagement in activities like hiking, kayaking, and woodland school to promote mental well-being.​Anxious Minds
• Practical Assistance: Help with food insecurity, cost-of-living pressures, and employment support and support with benifits.

Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service

• Op COURAGE is an NHS initiative designed to support serving personnel transitioning out of the military, reservists, armed forces veterans, and their families. Services include:
• Mental Health Support: Specialist care for complex mental health issues resulting from service.​
• Single Point of Contact: Easily accessible services through a dedicated phone line and email.​

SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association)

• SSAFA is a UK charity providing lifelong support to serving men and women, veterans from the British Armed Forces, and their families or dependents. Services include:
• Welfare Advice and Support: Assistance with housing, debt advice, training, and mental health problems.​
• Support in Service Communities: A network of volunteers on military bases offering local support.​

Armed Forces Outreach Service (AFOS)

• Operating since 2012, AFOS provides direct assistance and support to all Forces personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families in Gateshead. Services include:
• Housing and Financial Management: Guidance on housing options and financial planning.​Wikipedia
• Employment and Training: Support in finding employment opportunities and accessing training programs.​
• Health and Wellbeing: Assistance in accessing healthcare services and promoting overall well-being.​stsft.nhs.uk+1Latest news & breaking headlines+1

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

• This trust offers additional support for Armed Forces members, reservists, veterans, and their dependents attending the trust. A dedicated Armed Forces Healthcare Lead can be contacted for assistance related to care provided by the trust.

FAQ

What mental health support is available for veterans in the North East?

We offer professional counselling, therapy programmes, and peer-led groups to help veterans manage stress, PTSD, and other challenges. Local drop-in centres provide immediate assistance.

How can families access financial or housing support?

Our initiatives include guidance on benefits, emergency funds, and housing schemes. Contact our team for personalised advice tailored to your needs.

Are there peer support groups for veterans and their partners?

Yes. Anxious Minds Veteran Recovery College and local networks host peer groups and social events to foster community connections.

Where can veterans find employment support after military service?

Skills training programmes and job placement services are available.

How do I apply for mental health services or caregiver support?

Visit our website www.anxiousminds.co.uk or contact us on 0191 262 0305. Our team will guide you through eligibility checks and the application process.