The Veterans First Service was created to ensure seamless transition between defence mental health and welfare services and the NHS

Specialist Services

Winner: North Essex Partnership University Foundation Trust

Following concerns North Essex Partnership University Foundation Trust was not adequately meeting the specific needs of those who have served in the armed forces, the Veterans First service was created.

For the past four years, the service has received consistent 100 per cent positive feedback on the Friends and Family Test

It provides multidisciplinary, holistic, tailored care for those leaving the armed forces and for veterans of all ages with mental health conditions. The idea is to ensure seamless transition between defence mental health and welfare services and the NHS.

The service works in formal partnership with two charities and collaboratively with the Ministry of Defence (MoD), and offers specialist assessment by staff who are ex-MoD or veterans themselves. All staff receive specialist training to meet the needs of the unique group with which they work.

As well as meeting physical and mental health needs, Veterans First offers social integration activities. The service runs three monthly support groups and in partnership with 10 other agencies have set up a peer-led breakfast club, a climbing wall group as well as horse riding, falconry, archery and fishing experiences.

For the past four years, the service has received consistent 100 per cent positive feedback on the Friends and Family Test.

Judges’ comment: Clear demonstration of highly specialised care delivery, to a vulnerable group with limited resource and massive impact.

Highly commended: United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust

Revealed: 2016 winners of the HSJ Value Awards