This means that, as part of the health commitments of the Armed Forces Covenant, at The Barcellos Family Practice we:

• Have a clinical lead for veteran health - Dr Claire Carson
• Ask patients "Have you served?" to identify veteran patients
• Support veteran patients to access dedicated health services
• Undertake specialist training to meet the health commitment of the Armed Forces Covenant

This is important in helping ex-forces to get the best care and treatment.  

If you are a veteran patient, please let us know that you have served so that we can make sure that we understand your health needs.

Download and view a copy of the Veteran's healthcare accreditation FAQs

A veteran is anyone who has served one day or more in the UK Armed Forces including reservists. Some people may not consider themselves a veteran, so it is important to ask, ‘have you ever served in the UK Armed Forces?’ This video aims to break down misconceptions and stereotypes of who veterans are.

The Veteran Friendly Practices accreditation scheme is run by the Royal College of General Practioners (the RCGP) in parternship with NHS England and NHS Improvement.   The RCGP and the NHS have developed a leaflet to help ex-forces patients to get the most from your GP. 

Download and view a copy of the leaflet

Op COURAGE is an NHS mental health specialist service designed to help serving personnel due to leave the military, reservists, armed forces veterans and their families.

Op COURAGE can help you and your family with a range of support and treatment.  To find our more about mental health support for veterans, service leavers and reservists, please visit the NHS Help & Support information page.

If you have a chronic physical health condition or injury related to your time in service, Op RESTORE can help. While it cannot guarantee faster treatment, the service provides specialist support and works closely with the NHS to ensure your care is properly coordinated and tailored to your needs.

To access this service, you must:

• have served on day in the UK Armed Forces
• live in England
• be registered with a GP in England
• have a physical illness or injury linked to your military Service.

Speak to your GP or Social Prescriber to request a referral.

Learn more about Op RESTORE

Togetherall offers a safe, welcoming space for people to look after their mental health and wellbeing. It can be especially helpful for those who are waiting for support, between sessions, or simply not ready to access face-to-face services.

Through Togetherall, residents can benefit from:

• 24/7 access to a supportive community – an anonymous, peer-to-peer network where people can connect and share experiences.
• Professional clinical moderation – ensuring conversations are safe, respectful and guided by trained mental health professionals.
• Self-guided tools and resources – including courses and materials on managing anxiety, low mood, stress, and improving sleep.

The Togetherall service is free for veterans and can be accessed immediately through a computer or mobile device at www.togetherall.com, click ‘Join’ and then select 'I am part of the UK Armed Forces community'.

The Office for Veterans' Affairs provides a directory on the government's website. This resource allows you to find organisations that provide support to veterans and their families. You can filter the results by location and the type of support needed, such as physical and mental health, financial support, housing, and employment.

Find support for UK armed forces veterans and their families on the Gov.UK website.

You can also call the Veterans' Gateway helpline for information and referral support.

The number is 0808 802 1212.

OUR COMMITMENT AS A VETERAN FRIENDLY GP PRACTICE

Scroll down to view our Vet Friendly Patient Charter, or  download and view a PDF copy.