Op Fortitude Veteran Housing Support
Op Fortitude is a dedicated initiative to support UK veterans’ welfare and wellbeing. After committed service in the military, many veterans face unique challenges as they transition to civilian life. From mental health struggles to finding stable employment, these hurdles can make reintegration back into the civilian lifestyle more difficult.
What is Op Fortitude?
Op Fortitude is a UK initiative dedicated to supporting veterans as they transition back into the civilian lifestyle. Op Fortitude has a primary focus on making veteran support services and practical assistance as accessible as possible, and as such, works to ensure that former members of the armed forces are not left behind and can access resources to build fulfilling, stable lives post-service.
By providing targeted services such as mental health support, employment assistance, and housing solutions, Op Fortitude aims to ensure veterans have access to essential resources when they need them most.
The programme is structured to offer straightforward, accessible help, making it easier for veterans to navigate post-service life with confidence and stability.
How Op Fortitude Supports UK Veterans
Op Fortitude provides essential, tailored services that directly support veterans across the UK, focusing on the specific needs they may face after leaving the armed forces.
The Key Support Services that Op Fortitude Offer Include
- Mental Health Support: Veterans can access confidential counselling, therapy sessions, and mental health resources tailored to address issues such as trauma, anxiety, and stress.
- Employment Assistance: The programme connects veterans with job training, career counselling, and job placement services. This guidance helps them secure employment suited to their skills, interests, and goals.
- Housing and Shelter Support: Op Fortitude works to prevent homelessness by offering both short-term shelter solutions and assistance in finding permanent housing. This service ensures veterans have a stable place to live, which is vital for long-term well-being.
Each service plays a part in easing the transition to civilian life, making sure veterans have the support they need to feel secure and empowered.
How to Access Op Fortitude Services
Accessing Op Fortitude’s services is straightforward, allowing veterans to connect with the support they need without unnecessary complications. Veterans can reach out in several ways:
- Contact a Local Welfare Officer: Welfare officers stationed in various regions can guide veterans through available services and help them enrol in the programme.
- Visit a Support Centre: Veterans can visit local support centres dedicated to Op Fortitude. These centres provide face-to-face assistance, helping veterans understand and access the resources suited to their needs.
- Online Enquiries: Veterans can also access information and register for services through the Op Fortitude website. This online Aportal offers resources, contact details, and the ability to connect with support personnel.
These accessible options make it easier for veterans to find the help they need, allowing them to get started with essential support quickly and effectively.
United Kingdom (UK) Defence Statistics indicated that 301 British veterans sustained an amputation through service in Iraq or Afghanistan up to 31st March 2023.
The lifelong impact of traumatic limb-loss is also particularly relevant for older veterans who served in (among others) the Second World War, Korea, Northern Ireland, Vietnam and the Falklands, and whose health issues may be exacerbated by age-related changes and comorbidities, including the long-term psychological consequences of war.
Treatment under Military guidance, such as that at Stanford Hall varies considerably to what is offered via the NHS Limb Centres. There are 35 centres in England that provide specialized prosthetic services. These are consultant-led services and they involve a specialised multi-disciplinary team, which includes, for example; prosthetist; occupational therapist; physiotherapist; podiatrist; and psychologist.
If you have had an amputation and are registered with a GP, you will be eligible to attend an NHS Limb Centre where your mobility needs will be assessed. You may need a prosthetic limb or wheelchair. This will be provided free of charge where applicable, based on clinical need. Your GP or hospital that carried out the surgery will refer you to the appropriate Limb Centre.
If you lost a limb in Service, you can access the veterans’ prosthetics programme. This programme has enabled nine Disablement Service Centres (DSC’s) in England to offer enhanced services to veterans, accessed by referral from the veterans own GP
British Limbless Ex-Servicemen’s Association (BLESMA) is a national service charity that supports limbless veterans since injury for the remainder of their life.