There are several dedicated programmes in Oldham to support armed forces personnel and veterans access health services.
NHS Healthcare for the armed forces community
Healthcare information and support for the UK's armed forces community, including serving personnel, reservists, families and veterans can be found on the nhs.uk website:
- Armed forces healthcare - nhs.uk website
- Veterans: NHS mental health services - nhs.uk website
Military Veterans Service
This service provides mental health support to ex-service personnel for conditions including depression, alcohol and substance misuse, anger problems and post-traumatic stress disorder.
All professionals in the team understand armed forces culture, with some of the staff being veterans themselves and others having family members in the forces.
- Military Veterans Service - Pennine Care website
Defence Medical Welfare Service
The Defence Medical Welfare Service provides a 24/7 hospital/hospice based welfare support service for serving military, reservists, veterans and their families.
- Helpline: 0800 999 3697
- Website: https://www.dmws.org.uk/
Combat Stress
Combat Stress is the UK's leading Veterans' mental health charity, supporting almost 6,000 Veterans:
- Get help - Combat Stress website
The Royal British Legion
Providing help and support to service men and women and their families:
- Helpline: 0808 802 8080
- Website: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/
Walking with The Wounded – Head Start
Head Start provides 1-2-1 private therapy for ex-service personnel with mild to moderate mental health difficulties such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and adjustment disorder:
- Head Start - Walking with The Wounded website
Service Personnel and Veterans Agency
Free help and advice on any issue if you have ever served in HM Armed Forces.
- Service Personnel and Veterans Agency website
- Phone: 0800 169 2277
SSAFA Forces Help
- SSAFA Forces Help website
- Phone: Oldham branch 0161 678 0329 (office hours Monday to Friday 9am – 12.30pm)
- Confidential helpline: 0800 731 4880 (open 10.30am – 10.30pm, 365 days a year)