This Armed Forces Week, Op COURAGE brings mental health support closer to home
The Midlands Op COURAGE Partnership is celebrating Armed Forces Week and the first anniversary of its neighbourhood-based assessment clinics, which are improving access to mental health support for veterans, service leavers, reservists and their families.
The first clinic launched on 17 June 2025 at the Len Hardy Centre in Nuneaton, bringing NHS and charity partners together in one place to deliver coordinated, whole-person care. One year on, more than 30 clinics have been held across the Midlands, with measurable improvements in access, experience and outcomes.
Since forming a unified partnership in April 2023, Midlands Op COURAGE, delivered by three NHS Trusts (including Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust (CWPT)) and five charities, has supported almost 4,000 people. The neighbourhood clinic model was developed in response to veteran feedback calling for more joined up, localised support that avoids duplication and reduces the need to repeatedly retell their story.
More than 275 veterans have now received a multidisciplinary assessment through the clinics, with most receiving a co produced care plan within one to four weeks. Veterans consistently rate listening, respect and clarity close to 100%, while staff report stronger relationships, clearer pathways and reduced travel.
The model aligns with national priorities for integrated, community based care and supports organisations in meeting their Armed Forces Covenant duty.
Dr Dan Barnard, Midlands Op COURAGE Clinical Lead, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust said:
We saw early on through the pilot in Coventry and Warwickshire just how impactful this approach could be. By bringing clinicians and partners together in one place, we're able to make collaborative decisions more quickly and effectively.
The improvements we've seen in waiting times and patient experience reflect the value of working in this way, and the positive feedback from veterans reinforces how important it is to provide care that is both responsive and tailored to their needs.
The model is now fully embedded and expanding further over the next 12 months to improve access for both rural and urban communities.
How to refer to Op COURAGE
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.
Midlands Op COURAGE is proudly delivered in partnership by: Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health 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.