On Friday, 13 September, Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns, visited the Birmingham base of the Midlands Op COURAGE Partnership at the Barberry, part of Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.

Op COURAGE is an NHS service developed with people who have 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.

Midlands Op COURAGE is one of six regional providers of the service in England, and since April 2023, it has supported more than 1,700 veterans, service leavers, reservists and their families across both the East and West Midlands.

During the visit Mr Carns, a former Royal Marine, met members of the partnership team and spoke to veterans, Steve and Will, about their life-changing experiences of receiving treatment through the service. Speaking of the visit, Mr Carns said:

I was really fortunate to chat with veteran service users who shared their stories. One individual alone told me that Op COURAGE had given his son a father back. Veterans are at the centre of everything that Op COURAGE does which is why I’m delighted to see they’ve been integral in shaping this service provided.

Dr Helen Brown, Consultant Clinical and Forensic Psychologist and Clinical Lead for Op Courage Midlands’ Treatment Pathway said:

“It was a real privilege to be able to showcase our work at the Barberry Centre and explain more about Op COURAGE and the work we are doing to support veterans across the Midlands. I am incredibly grateful to Will and Steve who took the time to share their Op COURAGE success stories. If you or someone you love has served in the Armed Forces and is in need of specialist mental health support, reach out to Op COURAGE. No matter how recent or long ago, we are here to support you every step of the way.”

Midlands Op COURAGE is proudly delivered in partnership by: 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.