North East Veteran Recovery College

Veterans Mental Health North East

Veterans Mental Health Support in the North East – Anxious Minds

At The Veteran Recovery College, we understand the unique challenges that Veterans and their families face when it comes to mental health.

Our team of professionals, many of whom are Veterans themselves, offer a range of services, including counselling, women-only support, workshops, groups and help with alcohol and drug abuse. These programs not only provide practical support but also create a sense of belonging and camaraderie that is essential for Veterans and their families as they transition from military to civilian life.

A lot of the Veterans in our support team have direct experience of life on the frontline and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. They understand the unique struggles that Veterans face, including PTSD, depression and anxiety.

At The Recovery College, we believe that with the right support, everyone can improve their conditions and start on the road to recovery. We are dedicated to helping Veterans and their families in the North East find the help they need to improve their mental health and well-being.

Our Veteran Recovery College is in Wallsend Memorial Hall

10 Frank St, Wallsend NE28 6RN

Tel: 0191 308 4030

Supporting Veteran’s Mental Health

DOWNLOAD THE VETERAN REFERRAL FORM

TALKING THERAPIES

We provide early intervention and long-term support for veterans and their families. At the Veteran Recovery College, we understand that accessing support can be challenging for veterans and their families. That’s why we offer a range of services to make it as easy as possible to get the help you need. In addition to our in-person counselling sessions, we also offer online and phone counselling services.

Our online counselling service allows you to access counselling support from the comfort of your own home. This can be especially helpful for veterans who may find it difficult to attend in-person sessions due to mobility or transportation issues. Our phone counselling service is also a great option for those who may prefer to talk to a counsellor over the phone rather than in person.

Regardless of the delivery method, all of our counselling services are provided by qualified and experienced counsellors registered with the BACP and QNVMHS. We are committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based counselling support to all North East veterans and their families, regardless of their circumstances.

Whether you attend our in-person sessions, access our online counselling service or talk to a counsellor over the phone, we are here to support you on your journey to recovery. We believe that every veteran and their family members deserve access to the support they need to live their best lives and we are committed to making that a reality.

Online | Phone | In-house

FAST PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT

All our counsellors are members of BACP or NCS and can provide support for the following:

Anxiety Counselling & Panic Attacks
PTSD
Depression Counselling
Anger Management

Abuse Counselling
Bereavement & Grief Counselling
Stress Management
Low Self-Esteem

At our counselling service, we are committed to supporting veterans and their families. We understand the unique challenges that come with military service and the impact it can have on mental health and well-being. That’s why we offer up to 16 counselling sessions, giving our clients the time and space to work through their challenges with the support of a qualified professional.

All of our counsellors are registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and are being accredited by the Qualified Network Veterans Military Health Services (QNVMHS). This means that they have undergone rigorous training and meet the high standards set by these organisations. They also have years of experience working with veterans and their families, which means that they understand the specific issues and concerns that can arise.

At Anxious Minds, we believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality counselling support, especially those who have served their country. Our team of qualified counsellors are here to help veterans and their families work through any challenges they may be facing and build a brighter future.

OUTDOOR THERAPY DAY EVENTS

All our outdoor activities are run by qualified veteran staff.

Hiking
Kayaking
Mountain Biking

Woodland School
Rock Climbing
Awards Scheme

At The Recovery College, we believe that mental health and physical health are deeply interconnected. That’s why we offer a range of outdoor therapy services to support our clients on their journey to recovery. We own our own woodlands in Northumberland and we have partnered with local outdoor organisations to provide our clients with the tools they need to get active and improve their mental and physical well-being.

Outdoor therapy is a proven way to support recovery from mental health and addiction issues. It combines physical activity with nature-based therapies to help clients build confidence, reduce stress and anxiety and develop new coping skills. Our goal is to provide education, exercise and social events to help people get involved, make friends and prevent social isolation.

In addition to our in-person therapy sessions, we also offer a minibus service to transport clients to and from our outdoor therapy events. We provide all the equipment and resources necessary to get you going and make the most of your therapy sessions.

At Anxious Minds, we believe that outdoor therapy is a powerful way to promote inclusion and togetherness. By connecting with nature and each other, our clients can experience the benefits of community and support in their recovery journey. We are committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based therapy services to support the mental and physical well-being of all our clients.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Joining support groups can provide many benefits for individuals who are dealing with challenges or difficult situations in their lives. Here are a few reasons why joining a support group can be beneficial:

Art Groups
Model Making
Mindfulness
Positive Psychology

Anxiety Group
Anger Managment
Self Esteem
Friendship Groups

Connection and understanding: Support groups provide a space where individuals can connect with others who are going through similar experiences. This can be an invaluable source of comfort, empathy and understanding.
Support and encouragement: In a support group, members can provide each other with emotional support and encouragement. This can help boost confidence and motivation and can provide the strength to overcome challenges.
Education and resources: Support groups often provide access to helpful resources and information about coping strategies, treatment options and other relevant topics. This can help members make more informed decisions and take proactive steps towards their recovery.
Coping skills: Support groups can help members develop new coping skills and techniques for managing their challenges. This can be especially helpful for those who may not have the support or resources they need in their personal lives.
Sense of community: Joining a support group can provide a sense of community and belonging. Members can form friendships and connections that can help them feel less isolated and more supported.

CONCLUSION

Overall, support groups can provide a safe and supportive space for individuals to connect, learn and grow. If you are dealing with a challenging situation or struggling with a mental health issue, joining a support group may be a helpful step towards your recovery.

SUPPORT STAFF

As a veteran or a family member, navigating the complex network of support services and resources can be overwhelming. This is where advisory services and support can be invaluable. The North East Veteran Recovery College offers support to veterans and their families by providing guidance and advocacy, helping to make sense of the various options available to them.

Our team acts as supporters and advocates, offering assistance and guidance rather than simply providing information or advice. We work with veterans and their families to identify their individual needs and develop a plan to meet their unique circumstances. We strive to provide a safe and supportive environment, where individuals can feel comfortable discussing their issues and concerns.

Whatever your problem is, we will do our best to support you at the Veteran Recovery College

In addition to advisory services, we offer low-level mental health support to help individuals manage their problems and improve their mental well-being. Our team includes qualified professionals who are experienced in working with veterans and their families and who understand the unique challenges they may face.

Our focus is on providing holistic support that considers the mind, body and spirit. We aim to empower individuals to take control of their lives, develop new coping strategies and improve their overall well-being. Our goal is to help veterans and their families build a brighter future and achieve their full potential.

MIND- BODY- SPIRIT

Massage, Yoga and Mindfulness for Veterans and their families.

Stress relief
Pain management
Improved sleep quality

Enhanced mood and emotional wellbeing
Boosted immune system

The Mind Body Spirit Centre is a safe and supportive environment that offers massage, yoga and mindfulness services to veterans and their families. We will explore the benefits of these services and provide tips on how to implement them into daily life.

At The Veteran Recovery College, we recognise the importance of a holistic approach to mental health and well-being. That’s why we offer mind-body-spirit fitness programs to support our clients in their journey to recovery.

Mind-body-spirit fitness combines physical exercise with mindfulness and relaxation techniques to support overall health and well-being. This type of exercise has been shown to be effective in reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood and enhancing overall mental health.

Our fitness programs are designed to meet the unique needs of each individual client. We work with our clients to develop a personalised fitness plan that takes into account their physical abilities, preferences, and mental health goals. Our aim is to help our clients build confidence, reduce stress and develop new coping skills that they can use in their daily lives.

In addition to the physical benefits, mind-body-spirit fitness is also a great way to promote social inclusion and togetherness. Our fitness classes are conducted in a supportive and inclusive environment, where clients can connect with others and build a sense of community.

At The Veteran Recovery College, we believe that mind-body-spirit fitness is an essential component of mental health and well-being. We are committed to providing our clients with the tools and resources they need to achieve their mental and physical health goals and to live their best lives.

Benefits of Massage, Yoga and Mindfulness for Veterans and their Families

Stress Relief Massage, yoga and mindfulness are effective ways to reduce stress levels. By promoting relaxation, these practices help reduce the production of stress hormones like cortisol, which can have a negative impact on physical and mental health.

Pain Management: Massage therapy can help alleviate chronic pain caused by injuries sustained during military service. Yoga can also help by improving flexibility and strengthening muscles, which can reduce pain and prevent future injuries.
Improved Sleep Quality: Poor sleep is a common problem among veterans and their families. Massage, yoga and mindfulness can all help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, allowing for a more restful and rejuvenating sleep.
Enhanced Mood and Emotional Well-being: Massage, yoga, and mindfulness are all effective ways to boost mood and improve emotional well-being. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, these practices can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Boosted Immune System: Stress and anxiety can weaken the immune system, leaving the body vulnerable to illness and disease. Massage, yoga and mindfulness can all help reduce stress levels and boost the immune system, promoting overall health and well-being.

BREATH THERAPY

Breath therapy is often used as a complementary therapy in conjunction with other treatments, such as medication or talk therapy, to help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life. It can also be used as a standalone therapy to help individuals develop better coping mechanisms and improve their resilience to stress.

Overall, breath therapy can be beneficial for anyone who wants to improve their breathing patterns, reduce stress and anxiety, and enhance their overall well-being.

VETERAN’S KITCHEN

Cooking Classes. Breakfast Club. Tea & Toast. Food Bank.

At the North East Veteran Recovery College, we understand that financial struggles can be a significant source of stress and anxiety for veterans and their families. That’s why we offer a range of support programs to help those in need, including free hot meals and a warm, friendly place to stay.

Our doors are always open to veterans and their families who are struggling to make ends meet. We provide a safe and welcoming environment where you can access support and connect with others who understand what you’re going through. We believe that no one should have to go hungry or be without a safe place to stay and we are committed to providing these basic needs to those in need.

FEEDING HOMELESS

In addition to our free meal and accommodation program, we will soon be starting a homeless feeding program to support those on the street. We understand that homelessness is a complex issue, and that many people who are homeless are dealing with a range of mental health and addiction issues. Our goal is to provide immediate support to those in need, while also working to address the underlying issues that contribute to homelessness.

At the North East Veteran Recovery College, we believe that everyone deserves access to the support they need to live their best lives. We are committed to providing a range of programs and services to support veterans and their families in their journey towards mental and emotional well-being. Whether you need a hot meal, a safe place to stay or ongoing counselling support, we are here to help.

WOMEN ONLY SUPPORT

We also provide gender-specific mental health services for women.

Counselling
SMART Recovery for addiction
Workshops and Training
Support For Domestic Violence
Support For Victims of Sexual Assault
Empowerment and Training
Support back into education

We also support women veterans and female family members of the Armed Forces Community.

There is a wide range of services on offer designed to support women overcome many of the issues and challenges they are confronted by – domestic abuse; the need to develop new skills; lack of self-esteem; lack of self-confidence and being isolated.

ADDICTION SUPPORT SERVICES

Online
Phone
In-house

Support and advice around

Alcohol awareness, education, and support towards a reduction plan
Management of debt/money issues
Referral to other agencies for specific support

At the Veteran Recovery College, we understand that addiction can be a significant source of stress and hardship for members of the Armed Forces Community. That’s why we offer free, confidential support to those who are struggling with addiction.

Our addiction support program is designed to meet the unique needs of each individual client. We work with you to develop a personalised plan that takes into account your goals, preferences, and challenges. Our team of experienced counsellors and addiction specialists are here to support you in your journey towards recovery.

VETERAN’S ADDICTION NETWORK

One of the ways we offer support is through our North East Veteran Addiction Network, which provides access to video chat sessions with our support team, one to one addiction counselling and in-house groups. This network allows you to connect with others who are going through similar challenges as well as receive updated information on addiction support groups, resources and counselling.

We believe that addiction recovery is a journey and that no two journeys are the same. Our goal is to provide you with the tools, resources and support you need to achieve your goals and to live a fulfilling life in recovery. We are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where you can connect with others and receive the help you need to overcome addiction.

If you are a member of the Armed Forces Community who is struggling with addiction, we are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our addiction support programs and to get started on your journey towards recovery.

WORK AND EDUCATION

Over 100 fully funded courses online or in-house
Advice and support with C.V and job hunting
Advice and support for starting your own business
Available for veterans and families

At the North East Veteran Recovery College, we understand that finding meaningful employment can be a critical step in the journey towards recovery and overall well-being. That’s why we are committed to helping veterans and their families get retrained and back into work.

We have partnered with some of the top training providers in the North East to offer a range of training programs designed to help you develop the skills you need to succeed in the job market. Our training programs cover a range of fields, from healthcare to construction and are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual client.

OUR RECOVERY PARTNERS

SMART Recovery UK
REED in Partnership
The Learning Curve Group
Veterans in Crisis
Wallsend Memorial Hall

Wallsend Boxing & Gym
Wing Outdoor Club
Newcastle Hiking
Mountain Training England
SSAFA North East

OUR AWARDS

Multi-Award-Winning Veteran Mental Health Project Supporting Veteran Families in Crisis

In 2020 we received two years of funding to support veteran families with a target of 80. Within weeks of the project starting we had over 60 families, two years on and we have supported over 200 veteran families, winning us the Soldiering On Award 2021 for (Healthcare and Rehabilitation), GHP Mental Health Awards 2022,

(Best Veteran-Focused Mental Health Service – North East England) and the English Veteran Awards (Health and Well-being) award winner in 2022

We are building on this hard work and are delighted to announce the opening of the Anxious Minds Veteran Recovery College. The centre provides early intervention and long-term support for veterans and their families struggling with complex needs. Opened in March 2022 in Wallsend Memorial Hall.