Armed Forces Veteran Friendly

We are an Armed Forces veteran friendly accredited GP Practice

This means that, as part of the health commitments of the Armed Forces Covenant, at The Barcellos Family Practice we:

  • Have a clinical lead for veteran health - Dr Claire Carson
  • Ask patients "Have you served?" to identify veteran patients
  • Support veteran patients to access dedicated health services
  • Undertake specialist training to meet the health commitment of the Armed Forces Covenant

This is important in helping ex-forces to get the best care and treatment.  

If you are a veteran patient, please let us know that you have served so that we can make sure that we understand your health needs.

Download and view a copy of the Veteran's healthcare accreditation FAQs here>>

the Armed forces veteran friendly accredication logo and the words Proud to support our Armed Forces.  We're a Veteran Friendly GP Practice

Top tips for veterans

The Veteran Friendly Practices accredication scheme is run by the Royal College of General Practioners (the RCGP) in parternship with NHS England and NHS Improvement.   The RCGP and the NHS have developed a leaflet to help ex-forces patients to get the most from your GP.  Please follow this link to download and view a copy of the leaflet:>>

The NHS logo and the words The Veterans mental Health and Wellbeing Service.  The first call for help takes courage.  Op COURAGE:  The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service

Op COURAGE: the Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service

Op COURAGE is an NHS mental health specialist service designed to help serving personnel due to leave the military, reservists, armed forces veterans and their families.

Op COURAGE can help you and your family with a range of support and treatment.  To find our more about mental health support for veterans, service leavers and reservists, please visit the NHS Help & Support information page by following this link:>>

Our veteran patients have free access to Togetherall - Togetherall is a safe anonymous online community where members can share what’s on their mind, take comfort reading the thoughts of others or browse the many resources available. 

Togetherall provides: 

  • A supportive online community – moderated by professionals at all times (BACP members or equivalent)
  • An anonymous space, free from stigma or judgement.
  • A safe place to talk at any time of the day or night.
  • A library of self-help materials, including structured online courses on topics such as managing depression, improving sleep and a ‘managing PTSD’ course, which has been specifically designed to support the Armed Forces.

The Togetherall service is free for veterans and can be accessed immediately through a computer or mobile device at www.togetherall.com, click ‘Register’ and they select 'I am part of the UK Armed Forces community'.

Togetherall mental health support for the UK Armed Forces and Family members
Image representating the areas of support provided by the Veterans Gateway

Veterans Gateway connects veterans and their families with advice and support

The Veterans’ Gateway service is the first point of contact for all Tri-Service veterans, and their families. Its expert content covers welfare areas: housing, employment, finances, living independently, mental wellbeing, families and communities, and physical health.

Its unique support (both in the UK and abroad) is funded by the Armed Forces Covenant. And supported by charities and organisations and individuals, including the the National Health Service (NHS), the Government of the United Kingdom (GOV.UK) and the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

For more information visit their website here:>>

OUR COMMITMENT AS A VETERAN FRIENDLY GP PRACTICE

Patient Charter:  our commitment to you as a veteran of the UK Armed Forces