The news from Afghanistan will significantly impact many people in our armed forces and veterans community.
If you or someone you know is affected by your time in the military and/or recent events concerning Afghanistan, the Military Veterans Service & OpCourage NHS Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service (TILS) North West are inviting you to contact them to discuss how they can best support you at this time.
You can make a general enquiry/referral by phone: 0300 323 0707 or by email the.mvs@nhs.net.
See also: Pennine Care - Support veterans emerging situation in Afghanistan.
Military Veterens' Service
Emerging situation in Afghanistan
News of the withdrawal of both UK and US military forces from Afghanistan has significantly impacted many in our Armed Forces & Veterans Community. The Military Veterans Service (MVS) and OpCourage NW TILS service remain committed to supporting our Veteran community and addressing any mental health difficulties you may be experiencing.
Strong emotional reactions are normal and there is no right or wrong way to feel about the emerging situation.
This news may evoke distress, memories and dreams, particularly if you were deployed to Afghanistan, served with colleagues who were deployed or are a family member of someone who was deployed.
In uncertain times, it is common to feel unsettled.
For some people, this news may evoke very intense feelings. If you or someone you know is affected by your time in the military and/or recent events concerning Afghanistan, and you are located in North West England we, the Military Veterans Service & OpCourage NHS Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service (TILS) North West are inviting you to contact us to discuss how we can best support you at this time. General enquiries/referrals: 0300 323 0707 or email the.mvs@nhs.net.
Helpful things to do...
- Have a plan of things to do that you enjoy, bring you comfort or relaxation or occupy your mind
- Take time to reflect in your own way - everyone deals with things differently
- Ground yourself - Use your sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell to ground yourself.
- Check in with others who may be struggling but make sure you still take care of yourself
- Think about how much time you spend watching the news or on social media, switch them off if it isn't helping
- Spend time with people you care about
- Talk to someone you trust if you want to, but don't feel you have to
- Get exercise and eat well
- Keeping in a routine can be helpful
- Take off any unnecessary pressures
Useful websites
Crisis information
- At immediate risk of danger to life? Dial 999
- Struggling to keep yourself safe? Call NHS 111 or attend the A&E Dept. at your local hospital.
Support
24/7 Support is available for you during a mental health crisis from the following:
- Pennine Care NHS 24/7 Helpline: 0800 014 9995
- Text 'Shout' to 85258
- Samaritans: 116 123
- Combat Stress: 0800 138 1619