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Behind the Clinic Door: The Hidden Heroes Among Us – Veterans and Carers

hollyhurst2
Oct 30
4 min read

When we think of heroes, we often think of military personnel serving their country. Equally deserving of recognition are carers who quietly support their loved ones every day, often without considering themselves heroes at all.


At Southend Coastal Surgeries, we are proud to support both veterans and carers. However, we can only do this if we know who you are.


Look Out for a Text from Us


Over the coming weeks, you may receive a text message from the surgery asking three short questions about whether you are a veteran, a carer or a young carer.


It will only take a minute to complete, but your answers will help us ensure you receive any support, services and signposting that may be available to you.


No trick questions, no exam, and definitely no homework. Just three simple questions that could make a big difference.


Are You a Veteran?


Many people are surprised to learn that if you have served in the UK Armed Forces, even for one day, you are considered a veteran. Op COURAGE and other NHS veteran services are available to eligible veterans, regardless of how long ago they served.



What Happens Once We Know You're a Veteran?


By identifying yourself as a veteran, we can record this on your medical record and ensure that you are aware of services specifically designed for the Armed Forces community.


This can make a real difference because veterans may be eligible for specialist NHS pathways that are not routinely available to the general population. For example, veterans experiencing mental health difficulties can access Op COURAGE, a dedicated NHS mental health service for veterans, reservists and service leavers. The service understands the unique challenges that military service can bring and can provide specialist assessment, treatment and support.


Once we know you are a veteran, we can:


  • Record your veteran status on your medical record.

  • Signpost you to specialist NHS veteran services.

  • Help you access dedicated veteran mental health pathways such as Op COURAGE.

  • Signpost you to veteran-specific physical health services where appropriate.

  • Direct you to organisations that can support housing, employment, finances, welfare and wellbeing.

  • Ensure healthcare professionals are aware of your military background when relevant to your care.


Many veterans are unaware that these services exist, which is why letting us know is so important.


What About Veteran Families?


The Armed Forces community extends beyond veterans themselves. Partners, carers and family members may also be able to access support and can be recorded as members of an Armed Forces family. This helps healthcare professionals understand your circumstances and signpost you to appropriate services if needed.


Useful links:


Are You a Carer or Young Carer?



Many carers do not recognise themselves as carers.

If you regularly support someone who could not manage without your help because of illness, disability, frailty, mental health difficulties, addiction or a long-term condition, you may be a carer.

This also includes young carers. If you are under 18 and help look after a parent, sibling, grandparent or another family member, you may be a young carer.


You might help by:


  • Attending appointments.

  • Managing medications.

  • Providing emotional support.

  • Helping with personal care.

  • Shopping, cooking or household tasks.

  • Helping someone stay safe and independent.


What Happens Once We Know You're a Carer or Young Carer?


Once we identify you as a carer or young carer, we can ensure your caring responsibilities are recognised and considered when providing your healthcare.


This may include:


  • Recording your carer status on your medical record.

  • Signposting you to local carer support services.

  • Providing information about carers' assessments and available support.

  • Taking your caring responsibilities into account when arranging your care.

  • Offering health promotion, wellbeing advice and support where appropriate.

  • Helping young carers and their families access services specifically designed to support them.

  • Identifying when additional support may be needed to reduce the risk of carer stress or burnout.


Caring for someone else can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be demanding. Too often, carers put their own health and wellbeing last. By letting us know you're a carer, we can help ensure that someone is looking after you too.


Useful links:


Three Questions, One Big Difference


By answering our text message, you are helping us identify members of our community who may benefit from additional support.


Whether you've served in the Armed Forces, care for a loved one, support a parent as a young carer, or are part of a veteran family, we want to ensure you receive the recognition and support available to you.


After all, heroes do not always wear uniforms, and they certainly do not always wear capes. Sometimes they wear school uniforms, carry shopping bags, manage medications, attend countless appointments or simply show up every day for someone who needs them.


If that sounds like you, please take a moment to respond to the text message when it arrives.

It only takes a minute, but it helps us take better care of the people who spend so much time caring for others.


Southend Coastal Surgeries is proud to be a Veteran Friendly Practice and to support carers, young carers and Armed Forces families throughout our community. 💙



 
 
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