Health Support Directory

BLESMA help all wounded servicemen and women who have lost limbs, the use of limbs or eyes, to rebuild their lives by providing rehabilitation activities and welfare support. BLESMA campaigns for veteran’s rights and looks after individuals and their families by offering a comprehensive grants and welfare system. Rehabilitation, support, counselling and care are the four principle foundations of the organisation.

Telephone: 020 8590 1124

For more information, visit the BLESMA website.

Support anyone who has served in the Armed Forces, or who has done National Service, and who is now living with significant sight loss. Help blind ex-Service men and women lead independent and fulfilling lives by supporting them with our in-depth expertise, experience and full range of services.

Telephone: 0800 389 7979

For more information, visit the Blind Veterans UK website.

DMWS is an independent charity providing an independent and confidential medical welfare service to frontline staff whenever they are receiving medical treatment. DMWS Welfare Officers work with patients when their medical needs are being met but when other issues, problems or social influences may be distracting them from their recovery. They provide practical and emotional support to ensure that no family goes through the worry of injury or illness alone. The support is tailored to the individual needs and may include a confidential and impartial listening ear, helping to explain and resolve any medical care issue and referrals to other agencies for support.

For more information, visit the DMWS website.

A charity that offers comprehensive support to those who have suffered life-changing injuries and illnesses while serving our country.

For more information visit the Help for Heroes website.

The Major Trauma Network comprises 22 major trauma centres that act as hubs for trauma; ten of which have been designated as veterans’ trauma centres (VTCs) to coordinate veteran trauma care.

The local centre is in Leeds. The VTN will only deal with problems related to a veteran’s time in service. There will be no ‘fast-track’ treatment of veterans over other NHS patients. A veteran will be prioritised on clinical basis only, just as any other NHS patient.

The veteran’s GP can email a referral to a central email address A patient review will be organised at the most convenient VTC. Following this, a personalised treatment plan is developed and provided by a specialist team of military and civilian experts in trauma. It is recognised that major trauma has a significant impact on families and carers, which is also considered in the package of care offered.

For more information, email the Veterans Trauma Network.

Catterick Garrison is where you’ll find our recovery centre for the North of the UK. The centre is accessible to all wounded, injured and sick personnel and their loved ones. Whether they’re still serving or a Veteran.

The centre is designed to create a welcoming, supportive and inspirational atmosphere. It’s been purpose-built to give those who have served their country, a second chance at life. The centre’s facilities support the recovery process. These include classrooms and an IT suite, training kitchens, an art room and wood workshop, a gym with specialist equipment and health and wellbeing rooms.

For more information, email Help for Heroes at Catterick.

Telephone: 01748 834148.

Address: Phoenix House Recovery Centre, Richmond Road, Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, DL9 3AW

Online mental wellbeing support 24/7. It’s safe, anonymous and has Wall Guides (counsellors) available 24/7. This service is free to serving personnel, veterans and their families.

Telephone: 020 7060 1677

For more information, visit the Big White Wall website.

Provide specialist clinical treatment and welfare support to UK Veterans suffering from psychological injuries.

Short Stay Clinical Treatment
PTSD Intensive Treatment Programme
Outpatients service
Community Outreach Service.
If you’re currently serving or have served in the UK Armed Forces, you can call Combat Stress’ 24-hour mental health helpline.

The Reserve Forces Liaison Team helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year:

Telephone: 0800 138 1619

Veterans and their families can call 0800 138 1619

Serving personnel and their families can call 0800 323 4444

For more information, visit the Combat Stress website.

Ex service personnel: Head Start offers ex service personnel access to quality and effective treatments for mild to moderate mental health conditions. To access mental health support, make an appointment with a GP who will be able to submit a referral on your behalf to Head Start. Remember to tell the GP that you have served and that you may be eligible for private therapy under Head Start’s service.

Further information from a member of the Head Start team Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm

Telephone: 01263 863906

For more information, email Headstart.

Veterans Steadfast Support is a local peer to peer support group for former armed service personnel and their families that will allow them to come together and speak about the problems and struggles they face on a daily basis, in a safe and non-judgemental environment.

The group have weekly zoom meetings whilst covid restrictions are in place.

For more information about the group please contact 07594 252259.

The Right Turn programme provides specialist support for veterans with substance misuse issues and acknowledges the specific experiences of people in the armed forces community. Specially trained Addaction staff provide tailored support alongside veterans who have trained as Recovery Champions to help others through their recovery journey. These Recovery Champions are an inspiration – proving to people who have lost hope that they too can recover and rebuild their lives’

Telephone: 0114 2536830

For more information, visit the Addaction website.

A self-help support network for the adult family members of physically or emotionally injured Service.

The Ripple Pond was set up by two mothers of seriously wounded servicemen who recognised that no similar service existed purely for adult family members, and who found strength and comfort by sharing and supporting each other through such a unique challenge.

Peer-led, self-help groups meet regularly with the main aim of providing a space to express feelings safely, in a non-judgemental environment, where everyone can be heard. The groups are here for mums, dads, spouses, siblings – indeed any adult family member who feels they would like support.

Telephone: 07586 576889 or 07825 296712 or 01252 913021.

Email The Ripple Pond.

For more information, visit The Ripple Pond website.

Mental health triage and assessment for military veterans registered with GPs across Yorkshire and the Humber that are struggling to access and or engage with mainstream mental health services.

The Veterans’ Mental Health Transition, Intervention and Liaison Service (TILS) is a service to support veterans and their families. The service developed from recognition that military veterans may find it difficult to access traditional NHS services following time spent in a military environment and acknowledges that a stigma still surrounds mental health issues and aims to reduce this by providing more accessible pathways into services.

The service provides a first point of contact for people aged 18 and over and is available to anyone who has left the armed forces after completing one day’s service or more with the British Military, is a Reservist not currently mobilised or a family member of military personnel or a member of the armed forces currently awaiting discharge (in transition).

The team offers mental health assessment by a specialist veterans mental health practitioner who is sensitive to military culture and has good local knowledge. The service aims to provide a thorough assessment to refer veterans onto the most appropriate service to meet their needs. A maximum of six sessions will be provided where appropriate to assist those struggling with transition.

TILS is also the first port of call for a referral to the Veterans’ Mental Health Complex Treatment Service – please see the leaflet on the right of the screen for further information

To access these services, you must meet the following criteria:

• be a resident in England

• have served in the UK armed forces for a full day

• be registered with GP practice in England or be willing to register with a GP

• be able to provide your military service number or another form of acceptable proof of eligibility

North of England TIL service

Email the Veterans’ Mental Health TIL service.

Address: Veterans’ Mental Health Transition, Intervention and Liaison Service, St Andrew’s Place, 271 St George’s Road, Hull, HU3 3SW

Telephone: 01482 335479

People talk to the Samaritans anytime they like, in their own way – about whatever’s getting to them. You don’t have to be suicidal.

Local Telephone: 01472 353111

Free Telephone: 08457 90 90 90

Address: Samaritans Grimsby, 55 Alexandra Road, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, DN31 1RD

Will arrange to meet people either at their home or elsewhere. They discuss current circumstances and what they can do to improve a person’s situation. They also access specialist services in a local area so that the individual can manage their addiction. They help access services related to mental health, housing, criminal justice, employment and benefits, education and training, and healthcare.

For more information, visit Combat Stress’ Veterans’ substance misuse service website.

General information on menopause

Wellbeing of Women

Visit our menopause page for helpful information about what the menopause is, common symptoms and treatments.

NHS UK

The NHS has in-depth information about the menopause including how it is diagnosed and treated.

The British Menopause Society (BMS)

The BMS is the professional membership body for menopause experts. The website includes a directory of BMS-recognised menopause specialists across the country.

Women’s Health Concern

Part of The British Menopause Society, Women’s Health Concern provides a confidential information and advice service on all aspects of gynaecological and sexual health and wellbeing, including on the menopause. The website includes a factsheet on the menopause.

The Royal College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (RCOG)

The RCOG developed a menopause hub in partnership with women, and includes information on treatments, support, and self-care.

NICE guidelines

National clinical guidelines and information for the public on the diagnosis and management of the menopause.

Bupa

Bupa has created a women’s health hub which contains a wealth of information about the menopause and support, from recognising symptoms to coping with menopause in the workplace.

The Countess of Wessex – Roundtable event

Our Royal Patron HRH The Countess of Wessex talked about the “tragic” impact that menopause can have on women and the need for greater support during a roundtable event to launch the campaign. Watch the video of the roundtable event which included business leaders, politicians, celebrities, and of course, women.

Balance

Balance is a free app that allows users to track their symptoms, access personalised content and be part of a community. It can also support medical professionals to make a menopause diagnosis and develop a treatment plan through the app’s reporting function.

Menopause at work

ACAS

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) has information about menopause at work and runs training to help raise awareness, tackle misconceptions and clarify the legal position. Support is available for both employers and employees.

CIPD

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and Bupa have created a guide to managing menopause at work. It looks at identifying appropriate workplace adjustments and fostering an inclusive environment.

Everywoman

A professional network for women in business, with a menopause resource hub with free access to articles and a podcast. A webinar is available to members.

Faculty of Occupational Medicine

The Faculty of Occupational Medicine has produced guidance on menopause and the workplace, and an accompanying infographic offering advice, tips and stats.

Henpicked: Menopause in the Workplace

Henpicked is a company that specialises in professional development opportunities around menopause in the workplace. They provide training, videos, eLearning and expertise in developing policies and engaging staff through communications.

Menopause Friendly Accreditation

Menopause Friendly membership gives you access to roadmaps, workshops and resources to help your organisation to achieve Menopause Friendly accreditation.

NHS Employers

For those wanting to know how the NHS supports staff affected by menopause, NHS Employers has published best practice examples from NHS Trusts in England and Northern Ireland.

Positive Menopause

Information on menopause health and wellness advice, helping women make informed choices as they enter into menopause and beyond. Also offers training and courses on menopause in the workplace.

Standard Chartered Bank and The Financial Services Skills Commission

The two financial organisations have published a report, Menopause in the Workplace: Impact on Women in Financial Services, which looks at the impact of the menopause on women and makes a series of recommendations that organisations can take to break down barriers and creative a supportive working environment.

TUC

The Trades Union Congress has produced an interactive guide on menopause to help educate employers and staff about the symptoms of menopause, why it’s a workplace issue and what organisations can do to support staff.

Unison

Unison campaigns to ensure union members who are going through the menopause are supported at work. It also has an online test that staff can take to see how supportive their workplaces are when it comes to menopause.

Menopause Charity
A trusted and accredited provider of menopause resources for companies and individuals. It provides all the material for nominated menopause champions as well as access to self service education for all staff and even their families.

Peppy Health

Peppy helps organisations improve their employees’ physical, mental and emotional wellbeing by connecting app users to trained practitioners, who provide specialist support.

50 PLUS: Choices
A report by a programme that aims to help employers to support their workforce from mid-life. The recommendations are aimed at bringing about change around menopause awareness and support in the key areas of: Government policy, employer practice, wider societal and financial support.

Hello! Magazine
A selection of articles with women and celebrities on their experiences, and latest news and information on the menopause, provided by our partner, Hello! Magazine.

Blooming Menopause
A company that provides workplace programmes that help employers implement menopause policies, training and education to colleagues and line managers.

Over the Bloody Moon
A company that partners with organisations and schools to provide menopause education and support. Corporate services include menopause HR consultancy, CPD accredited training, awareness & empathy workshops, coaching, masterclasses, and digital resources to ensure people thrive at work (and fund our free events, resources and outreach programs), as well as a new MenoVest that stimulates hot flushes.

Fawcett Society survey
A large survey of women in the UK reveals a lack of support for menopausal women in the workplace and an accompanying report makes a series of recommendations.

Support groups

Healthtalk

Listen and read about women’s personal experiences of the menopause.

Health Unlocked

Menopause and Perimenopause Support is a community dedicated to providing sharing information and support to people experiencing menopause and perimenopause.

Daisy Network

Information and support for women who go through premature menopause, before the age of 40.

Menopause Experts

Menopause Experts is a growing online resource designed to help women understand and speak out about menopause. As well as educational articles and blogs, there is also a free magazine.

Menopause Matters

Menopause Matters has Information about the menopause, symptoms and treatment options including a forum for women.

Latte Lounge

Latte Lounge is an online community for women aged over 40, including resources on the menopause.

Menopause Support

Menopause Support offers private support via telephone and video consultations, training and support for businesses and organisations, and menopause training days. Free resources are available on the website, and details of its closed Facebook group: The Menopause Support Network.

Menopause Café
A charity that runs pop-up events, organised by volunteers in cafes and in workplaces, where people meet to talk about the menopause. Menopause Cafes are inclusive events, open to anyone interested in the menopause: all genders and all ages. The charity also hosts the world’s only Menopause Festival.