How MoD Veterans Services can support veterans in Northern Ireland with their mental health
Leaving the armed forces can open the door to new opportunities, but it can also bring challenges that aren’t always easy to talk about. For some veterans, experiences from service can continue to affect mental wellbeing long after leaving uniform. Mental health support for veterans in Northern Ireland is available, and MoD Veterans Services play a key role in this.
Here’s a guide explaining what you need to know.
Time to read:
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Call your area’s out of hours service
What is MoD Veterans Services?
MoD Veterans Services is a Ministry of Defence service that brings together specialist veteran welfare support into one joined-up offer.
The service is there to support members of the armed forces community, including:
- regular and reserve veterans
- service leavers, including up to 2 years before discharge
- immediate family members
- those who are bereaved
Across Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, experienced case managers provide tailored, confidential and holistic support, based on your individual needs.
How MoD Veterans Services can help with mental health
Mental health challenges rarely exist on their own. They can affect, or be affected by, housing, finances, relationships, health issues or employment concerns.
MoD Veterans Services takes a whole-person approach, helping you access the right support at the right time. This may include help with:
- mental health and emotional wellbeing
- accessing specialist psychological or psychiatric support
- physical health and rehabilitation
- drug and alcohol misuse
- family or relationship breakdown
- housing, employment, training, or financial difficulties
For veterans in Northern Ireland, support may also include access to specialist, trusted healthcare providers who understand military life and how service can impact mental health.
Your case manager will work with you to understand what you’re experiencing and help connect you to appropriate local, regional or national services, be they statutory, HSC or through the charity sector.
Who can access the service?
You may be eligible for support if you are:
- a UK armed forces veteran living in Northern Ireland
- a service leaver, including up to 2 years before discharge
- a family member or someone supporting a veteran
- someone who is bereaved
You do not need to wait until you’re in crisis. Support is available as soon as a need is identified, whether you reach out yourself or someone contacts the service on your behalf.
How support works
Once you make contact, MoD Veterans Services will:
- listen to your concerns and assess your needs
- provide clear information and guidance
- help you access specialist mental health or wellbeing support
- offer ongoing welfare casework, if needed
- work alongside other organisations to ensure support is joined up
Support can be provided by phone, email, video call or in person, depending on what works best for you and local availability.
Working with partners across Northern Ireland
MoD Veterans Services works closely with:
- other MoD services and the single services
- health and social care services in Northern Ireland
- local authorities
- veterans’ charities and community organisations
This joined-up approach helps make sure veterans don’t have to repeat their story and can move more smoothly between services.
How to get help
Call: 07387 050564
Email: DBSAFVS-VS-NI-ROI@mod.gov.uk
Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm (except public holidays).
You don’t need to have all the answers – just reaching out is enough to start the conversation.
You’re not alone
If you’re a veteran in Northern Ireland and you’re struggling with your mental health, or supporting someone who is, help is available.
MoD Veterans Services is here to listen, understand and help you find the right support when you’re ready.