Op COURAGE: NHS Support for Veterans and Reservists

What is Op COURAGE?

Op COURAGE is a free NHS mental health service built specifically for veterans, reservists and serving personnel who are approaching discharge.

It was launched in 2017 and has since supported more than 30,000 people across England. In 2023 it was restructured under a single name, bringing together three previously separate services to make it easier to find and access the right level of support.

The people who work within Op COURAGE are either from the armed forces themselves or have extensive experience working with the military community. That matters. You won't have to explain yourself from scratch.

What does Op COURAGE actually help with?

Op COURAGE is not just for PTSD, though it does treat that. The service covers a broad range of mental health and wellbeing needs, including:

TILS — Transition, Intervention and Liaison Service: The usual first point of contact. Provides early support, advice and initial assessment, particularly useful if you're unsure what kind of help you need.

CTS — Complex Treatment Service  Structured: Longer-term care for more complex mental health conditions where short-term support alone isn't enough.

HIS — High Intensity Service  Intensive: Urgent support for individuals in crisis or at higher risk, for those who need immediate and sustained care.

Veterans' Mental Health and Wellbeing Service: Broader wellbeing support for veterans and families managing ongoing challenges that affect day-to-day life.

Things that stop people reaching out — and why they shouldn't

These are the most common reasons people don't contact Op COURAGE. None of them are true.

✗  You need a combat role — you don't.

✗  You need a formal diagnosis before contacting them — you don't.

✗  You need to have served a minimum length of time — one day qualifies.

✗  It only helps recently discharged veterans — it doesn't matter how long ago you left.

Who qualifies?

Eligibility is broader than most people assume. You may be eligible if you:

• Served at least one day in the UK Armed Forces
• Are a veteran or reservist registered with a GP in England
• Are currently serving with a confirmed discharge date
• Are a family member or carer affected by a veteran's mental health

How to access Op COURAGE

You can self-refer — you do not need a GP to get in touch. Here is what the process looks like:

Find your local service

Op COURAGE is delivered regionally across England. Use the NHS referral page to locate the team covering your area and find their direct contact details.

Make contact

You can contact the service in many ways, including directly getting in touch yourself, or through a family member or friend, asking a GP or other healthcare representative to refer you or asking a charity to refer you.

Initial assessment

A clinician will contact you — typically within days to a couple of weeks. This first conversation is to understand your situation and work out which level of support is most appropriate.

Begin support

Depending on your needs, this could include one-to-one therapy, group support, or a specialist treatment programme — all delivered by people trained in working with the Armed Forces community.

What happens after you contact Op COURAGE?

When you get in touch, you'll have an initial assessment with someone who understands the armed forces. From there, they'll work out the right level of support for your situation.

There is no one-size-fits-all pathway. The service is designed around your needs, not a fixed process.

Will I have to recount traumatic experiences straight away?

No. The first conversation is about understanding your situation at your pace — not reliving difficult experiences on demand.

Will my employer or family be told?

No. Everything is confidential unless there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else.

How long until I hear back?

Most people receive initial contact within days to a couple of weeks of reaching out.

Will the staff understand military life?

Yes. Op COURAGE teams are trained specifically to work with veterans and Armed Forces families — this isn't a generic NHS referral.

If Op COURAGE isn't right for you

Op COURAGE is the main NHS pathway but it is not the only option. If you do not qualify or want to explore alternatives:

Combat Stress — Specialist support for veterans with complex mental health conditions.

PTSD Resolution — Therapy for trauma-related difficulties.

Togetherall — Anonymous online mental health support, available 24/7.

Related articles

• Ex-Military Mental Health Support: How Veterans and Families Can Access Help in Civvy Street
• Accessing Ex-Military Mental Health Support in Civvy Street

This page is for general information only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you need support, contact your GP or the NHS on 111 (option 2). In an emergency, call 999.