Provision of Peer Mentor Support for Veterans across North Wales

Descriptions

To deliver a peer mentoring service working closely with NHS Veterans Service in North Wales.The current service, which started as a pilot in March 2017, has had 118 referrals in the first two years. The aim of the service is to support veterans through their mental health recovery, signpost to other support that could be useful, and to provide contacts and information to solve social and employment difficulties. As there may be a wait for mental health treatment to start, the peer mentors are there to start building a relationship with the veterans and his/her family during this waiting period, with a view to reducing psychosocial stressors. Their knowledge of military processes and MoD paperwork are essential in making the transition from military speak to health / NHS speak, and ensure that there are no inconsistencies in veterans’ narratives as they go through their treatment. This helps to understand the context of the experiences and behaviours, and to get the right treatment in a timely way. Ultimately this support helps save time spent on inappropriate therapy and resources.