| answer text |
<p>Since 2015, the Better Care Fund has been crucial in supporting people of all walks
of life to live healthy, independent, and dignified lives, through joining up health,
social care, and housing services seamlessly around the person. There is no data available
on how much of that funding may have been used for veterans. However, since August
2021, there have been four social prescribing pilots in the areas of Cornwall, Durham,
Dorset, and Kensington and Chelsea. Between July 2023 and March 2024, the projects
supported a total of 226 veterans.</p><p>In addition to the social prescribing pilots,
NHS England has been operating seven Op COMMUNITY pilot sites which provide support
to the wider Armed Forces Community, including veterans. These sites are in the integrated
care board areas of Humber and North Yorkshire, Hertfordshire and West Essex, Leicester,
Leicestershire and Rutland, North Central London, Devon, Kent and Medway with Sussex,
Bath, North-East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire. Across the seven sites, they have
supported 319 referrals relating to veterans.</p><p>No formal single assessment has
been made to the potential merits of increasing mental health support to veterans
with addictions. It is recognised that some individuals would benefit from mental
health support, which is why NHS England commissioned Op COURAGE. This is a bespoke
mental health pathway that provides support to veterans with mental health issues
and addiction issues. The Op COURAGE service is in addition to the support that is
available to veterans from locally commissioned addiction and mental health services.</p>
|
|
