Campaign To Help North East Army Veterans

11 November 2014, 06:00 | Updated: 11 November 2014, 06:21

Two North East mental health trusts have launched a campaign to encourage veterans to talk about their feelings.

As the country comes together to remember the sacrifices of our service men and women, the campaign wants veterans who are struggling to adjust to civilian life to speak out and get help.

The campaign is being launched by the Veterans Wellbeing Assessment and Liaison Service (VWALS) at Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (NTW) and Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV).
 
Supported by the Royal British Legion and Combat Stress, the campaign - which will see posters appear on buses across the region - will explain what help is available to those who are finding it difficult to return to civilian life.
 
Anna Burke, NTW's Consultant Nurse for Military Veterans Mental Health told Heart:
"VWALS is dedicated to providing help to veterans and their families who are finding it hard to adjust to normal life.
 
This transitional period can be stressful and sometimes may take its toll on the mental health of an individual, but VWALS has produced information to help people take that important first step.
 
We hope this campaign will encourage people to come forward and get the help they need in an understanding, compassionate and caring environment."  
 
Established in June 2012 VWALS provides three outreach and assessment workers and utilise existing community, primary and secondary care mental health services across the North East.
 
The aim of the service is to provide a prompt, effective assessment, liaison and signposting service for military veterans and their families across the region.
 
You can self refer by calling VWALS on 0191 441 5974 or email us at vwals@ntw.net or visit their website for more information.  You can also ask your GP to refer you.