Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) is backing a national campaign promoting Op COURAGE, the NHS’s specialist mental health and wellbeing service for military veterans.

The programme, which now includes enhanced support for addictions, was redesigned after a survey by NHS England revealed that out of 3,000 veterans and active personnel, around 60 per cent of them found it difficult to ask for mental health assistance.

Jon Milford, service lead for Op COURAGE North of England, emphasised the unique nature of the programme.

He said: "The Op COURAGE service is unique – our staff are highly trained clinical professionals, but they are all also either ex-military or know the military culture first-hand.

“I would really encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out to us for help – just search online for ‘Op Courage’.”

Supporting the campaign, former Royal Marine, Invictus Games medallist and TV presenter JJ Chalmers praised the service.

Mr Chalmers said: “I remember how hard it was adjusting to life after the military, getting to grips with civvy street after everything I went through in Afghanistan. Having a service like Op COURAGE to support you is invaluable.”

More information is available at nhs.uk/opcourage.