Midlands Op COURAGE team attend House of Lords reception
Doug Wing (RNMH), Operational Lead for the Midlands Op COURAGE Partnership, was invited to the House of Lords on Tuesday 23 July 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.
Doug was joined at the event by Midlands Op COURAGE clinical leads Dr Dan Barnard and Mo Amjid, Assistant Practitioner (non-urgent team) from Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust and Dr Helen Brown from Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. Mo has been individually recognised in the Healthcare and Rehabilitation category for his unwavering dedication to veterans and unstoppable can-do attitude.
Dr Dan Barnard, said: “It was an honour to be part of the occasion marking the finalists for 2024 Soldiering On Awards where, amongst the incredible achievers and services in the room, our Midlands Op Courage Partnership and the brilliant Mo Amjid were both shortlisted for awards and recognised for their vital contributions to the Armed Forces community.”
Doug said: “We were honoured to be invited to the House of Lords, alongside so many other incredible finalists and guests. It was great to be in such good company, all there with the same focus and commitment of supporting and celebrating our Armed Forces community.
“Being recognised for our collaborative working is testament to the continued hard work of the entire partnership team who deliver outstanding support to veterans and their families across the Midlands. We are very much looking forward to the awards ceremony in October.”
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 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 .
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.