TILS will continue to support patients during national lockdown restrictions. Although face to face appointments is not possible, the team will be running phone and video consultations.
NHS TIL Service is a service for armed forces personnel approaching discharge as well as for veterans. The service will help to recognise some of the early signs associated with mental health difficulties and will provide access to a number of interventions, therapeutic treatments for complex problems and psychological trauma and prevent patient reaching crisis point.
It will also help tackle some of the most common mental health and substance misuse problems such as alcoholism, anxiety and depression and join up services across the board, working with local authorities and charities so that the whole of a person’s needs and their families are looked after.
For veterans
If you are experiencing mental health difficulties, these services can provide a range of treatment and support regardless of when you left the armed forces. This includes recognising the early signs of mental health problems and providing access to early treatment and support, as well as therapeutic treatment for complex mental health difficulties and psychological trauma. Patients are also provided with help, where appropriate, with employment, reduction in alcohol consumption, housing and social support.
Access:
- Must be resident in England
- Have served in UK armed forces for a full day
- Be registered with a GP practice in England or be willing to register with one
- Be able to provide military service number or other form of acceptable proof of eligibility
There are three elements to the service:
- Transition: services for those in transition, leaving armed forces
Work with MoD to offer mental health support for armed forces personnel approaching discharge - Intervention: services for veterans with complex presentation
service personnel approaching discharge and veterans will have assessment within two weeks of receipt of referral. If needs identified as more complex, they will be offered an appointment two weeks thereafter at the TIL veterans mental health service. This will be with a clinician who has an expert understanding of armed forces life and culture. They may also be supported by a care coordinator who will liaise with other services and organisations to ensure a coordinated approach to care. - Liaison: general service for veterans
for those without complex presentation, yet would benefit from NHS care, are referred into local mainstream NHS Mental Health services where they will receive support and treatment.
A range of guidance for GPs on the care of patients who have served in the armed forces, and their families.