Dorset HealthCare transforming the lives of local military veterans in need

26th July 2016

Military personnel, reservists, and war veterans suffering with mental health problems and physical injuries are being given better access to health services and facilities in Dorset.

It’s all thanks to the newly formed Armed Forces (Veterans) Community Health and Wellbeing Team set up by Dorset HealthCare.

The new initiative aims to facilitate access to health and welfare support for the growing number of local veterans which is sensitive around the transition they make from military to civilian life. There will also be support for their spouses, civil partners, children and parents.

The team is run by Andy Gritt and Vlad Rocas, who are both former servicemen with more than 20 years experience in the Armed Forces.

Team Leader Andy, said:“There are 9,000 military veterans currently living in Dorset, and increasing numbers of homeless veterans who may need support can take around 10-14 years, post conflict, to come forward and accept they need help.

“During this period they can spiral into social decline, where they may experience drink and drug problems, relationship breakdown or lose their homes. We can now help them on the road to recovery and tailor care to their specific need.

“Many of us have heard of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but there are many more post service conditions, and we forget that these often have a knock-on effect on their families, especially children.”

Andy and Vlad work alongside the like of local garrisons Bovington, the Poole-based Royal Marines and the personal recovery unit at Tidworth Garrison, the latter of which will refer cases directly to them.

The new team’s formation coincides with Dorset HealthCare’s pledge to the Armed Forces Covenant, a statement and moral obligation which exists between the nation, the Government and the Armed Forces.

Published in May 2011, the covenant means Dorset HealthCare agrees to uphold its values through its own vision of ensuring the Armed Forces Community (AFC) live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives after service.

Dorset HealthCare signed up to the covenant back in September last year, with the support of well-known Falklands veteran Simon Weston.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the service, or if you would like to get in touch with the team, you can contact Team Leader Andy Gritt on 01202 584440 or email him at andrew.gritt1@nhs.net.

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