Physical health support for veterans in Northern Ireland
Life after service can bring unexpected physical challenges. Physical health support for veterans in Northern Ireland is provided by a range of services. Accessing this support can make a real difference to your health and wellbeing.
Here’s a clear guide on how to access the care and tailored services designed to help you live well.
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Start with your GP
Your GP should be your first step when looking for physical health support.
Under the Armed Forces Covenant, healthcare professionals are encouraged to recognise when a condition may be related to your military service. If this applies to you, your GP can note it on your referral so your care is considered in the right context.
It helps to tell your GP that you served in the armed forces, even if your injury or condition developed years after leaving service.
Specialist support for service-related injuries in Northern Ireland
If you have more complex or long‑term physical health needs, your GP can refer you to specialist NHS services within Health and Social Care (HSC) Northern Ireland.
Veterans may be referred to services such as:
- musculoskeletal and pain management services
- orthopaedic and trauma services
- rehabilitation and disability support
Your GP can also seek advice through veteran‑aware clinical networks where appropriate, helping ensure your care reflects your service history.
Practical tips when accessing physical health support
Keep a record of your service history and any injury‑related paperwork.
Explain how your condition affects daily life, not just the medical symptoms.
Ask your GP about veteran‑aware clinicians or Armed Forces Champions within your local HSC Trust.
Take someone with you to appointments if it helps you explain your needs.
Prosthetics and rehabilitation services
If you need prosthetics, orthotics or specialist physical rehabilitation, services in Northern Ireland are provided through regional specialist centres, including the Regional Disablement Service.
These NHS services support veterans with limb loss, mobility issues and complex rehabilitation needs linked to injury or illness.
Your GP or specialist can advise on the right referral pathway.
Community and veteran‑specific support in Northern Ireland
Physical health support is not only about medical treatment. Veteran‑specific services can help you navigate care, stay active and feel supported.
You may also benefit from:
- peer support from other veterans with similar experiences
- veteran community groups and activity programmes
- charity‑run physical wellbeing and recovery services
Organisations that can help
There are a number of veteran-specific organisations that can help you manage your physical health in Northern Ireland.
MoD Veterans Services
MoD Veterans Services provide one-to-one support on a range of issues. They can help you understand what support is available to help with your physical health and how to access it.
Brooke House Health and Wellbeing Centre
Brooke House Health and Wellbeing Centre, based in Colebooke Park in Co Fermanagh, is a VALOUR-recognised centre and can help veterans and their families access care services across Northern Ireland.
They can provide:
- physical health and wellbeing support on site
- help with applications and processes
- referrals to other specialist support for your physical health through trusted partners
They lead a network of outreach hubs across Northern Ireland offering in-person support.
Help for Heroes
Help for Heroes operate in Northern Ireland and offer a number of resources to help with your physical health. This includes online resources, activities and events and wellbeing support services.
Need more options?
The GOV.UK veteran support directory allows you to search and filter organisations in one place. It’s a helpful tool for finding services that fit your situation.
You’re not on your own
Getting help for physical health can feel overwhelming, but support is available in Northern Ireland.
Start with your GP, make sure your service is recognised and use veteran‑specific support organisations to help you along the way. Physical health support for veterans in Northern Ireland is available to help you live well after service.
Your health matters, and asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.