Helen Brown, Consultant Clinical and Forensic Psychologist and Clinical Lead for Op COURAGE Treatment Pathway for Military Veterans, was invited to the House of Lords recently for a special reception held to celebrate this year’s Soldiering On Awards finalists.
The reception, hosted by Jeremy Vine, and attended by Al Carns, the new Veterans and People Minister, brought together the 36 finalists alongside key figures from defence, government, military charities and businesses.
The Soldiering On Awards recognise outstanding achievement in the Armed Forces community. Individuals, groups and organisations are showcased, including serving personnel, veterans and family members. In June, the Midlands Op COURAGE Partnership was named as a finalist in both the Working Together and Healthcare and Rehabilitation categories.
Helen was joined at the event by Midlands Op COURAGE clinical lead Dr Dan Barnard and Doug Wing (RNMH), Operational Lead for the Midlands Op COURAGE Partnership, along with Mo Amjid, Assistant Practitioner (non-urgent team) from the West Midlands Hub. Helen said:
It was an honour to represent the Op COURAGE team at the Soldiering On Awards. The team are an extremely dedicated group of individuals and it is a total privilege to work alongside their passion and dedication to improve mental health support for veterans. The event was a double celebration, as it took place on the same day that Birmingham was awarded the Invictus Games for 2027!
The finalists will gather together again on Wednesday 16 October for a special black-tie event at the Park Plaza Westminster Hotel. Read more about the event at: https://soldieringon.org/announcing-our-2024-finalists
About Op COURAGE
Op COURAGE is an NHS service developed with people who’ve served in the Armed Forces and experienced mental ill-health. Working together with NHS services and charities, Op COURAGE makes sure people who have served and are struggling with their mental health and wellbeing get the specialist care, support and treatment for their specific needs.
Since April 2023, the service has supported more than 1,500 veterans, service leavers, reservists and their families across both the East and West Midlands.
Midlands Op COURAGE is proudly delivered in partnership with Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, St Andrew’s Healthcare, Walking With The Wounded, The Ripple Pond, Tom Harrison House, and Mental Health Matters.
Veterans, their families, or other health professionals can refer, or self-refer to services by calling 0300 323 0137 or emailing mevs.mhm@nhs.net
Please visit www.opcouragemidlands.nhs.uk for more information.
Published: 26 July 2024
