As part of the Armed Forces Covenant the ICB is committed to planning in health and social care support for veterans, reservists, serving and former members of the armed forces and their families living and working in this area.
On this page you can find more information about the local and national support available. You can also find more about the ICB’s role in commissioning services for the Armed Forces Community on the NHS website.
Local information
The NHS works closely with a range of organisations including local authorities, charities and other partners. Together we to services including health, social care, mental health support, housing and financial assistance.
OpCommunity
Hertfordshire and west Essex was one of the first areas of the country to set up a simple way for veterans to contact the health service. OpCommunity is a single phone number and email address for members of the Armed Forces Community to contact if they need advice and support about health and social care.
The OpCommunity helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. We will respond within 48 working hours and have an answer to your enquiry or referral within five working days.
A local Armed Forces Community Support Link Worker will work closely with you to find the services you need and explain how they work.
Read this leaflet to learn more about OpCommunity. (3MB pdf)
OpCommunity contact details
-
Telephone
-
Email
Other local support
OpCourage
OpCourage is an NHS mental health specialist service for serving personnel leaving the military, including reservists, veterans and their families.
Further information about OpCourage can be found on the NHS website.
Veteran Friendly GP practices
A Veteran Friendly GP practice is a GP practice that has undergone training so they can better support the Armed Forces Community. Many GP practices in Hertfordshire and west Essex are Veteran Friendly accredited.
Local hospital trusts
Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow and East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust in Stevenage are both accredited as Veteran Aware. West Herts Hospitals Trust is in the process of being accredited.
Hertfordshire Heroes
If you are a member of the Armed Forces Community and live or work in Hertfordshire, then the Hertfordshire Heroes website is a good place to look for information about topics including housing, education and employment.
Essex County Council
Essex County Council also has a range of information on its website about the Armed Forces Covenant and the support that is available.
Armed Forces Community health meeting
Veteran health, care and wellbeing is the subject of discussion at the monthly Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care System’s Armed Forces Community health meeting.
Join the Armed Forces Community health meeting
Contact OpCommunity on the details below.
-
Telephone
-
Email
National information
The Armed Forces Community can access help for a range of issues including leaving service, mental health, physical wellbeing and for those in contact with the justice system.
NHS website
The NHS website has a wealth of information to signpost members of the Armed Forces Community to, including charities and support groups, guide for service leavers, mental health support, information for families and accessing NHS healthcare while in active service.
Op Nova
Op Nova, the Forces Employment Charity commissioned by NHS England, provides support for veterans who are in contact with the justice system.
OpRestore
OpRestore, formerly known as the Veterans Trauma Network, supports veterans’ physical health and wellbeing