Tanvally & Anaghlone Project (VPPP NI)
The innovative and collaborative Veterans’ Places, People and Pathways programme (VPPP) aims to give Veterans safe places in their local area where they can access help and treatment that supports their mental health needs. Ten portfolio projects throughout the UK received a share of almost £8 million, with around 88 individual funded organisations and projects delivering work within those portfolios to achieve the programme aims – many of whom are working across multiple regions.
As part of the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Places, Pathways and People Programme (NI VPPP) the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Support Office manages the delivery of a comprehensive Veteran support programme across the region.
Known as the Northern Ireland Vital Veterans’ Network, the programme ensures that the existing Veteran support network is utilised to maximum effect by further empowering delivery organisations, Veterans and volunteers to thrive through new and innovative schemes.
As well as high level mental health support, activity-based programmes and volunteer training, the role of the peer support and mental health navigators have been sustained through this programme.
These navigators help guide veterans from complex mental health support into and between peer support pathways.
NIVSO has been working collaboratively with eight project partners through the NI VPPP programme, including local and national delivery organisations such as Brooke House, Combat Stress and Inspire Wellbeing. As part of this portfolio of support, NIVSO is delighted to welcome Fighting With Pride to deliver their work in Northern Ireland for the first time.
Veteran X had been discharged from hospital, having been treated for suicidal ideation due to a chronic health condition. He was supported by his parents, albeit very isolated and anxious. In-depth assessment by Brooke House identified a rare medical condition causing chronic pain that hadn’t been properly diagnosed by the statutory sector, but which had led to him being made medically redundant from work, despite his young age. Chronic pain led to drug addiction to manage his condition, leading to a very significant impact on his mental health last year. Following assessment by Brooke House, counselling and psychological support was provided, together with support from their clinical psychologist and associate pharmacist to agree a pain management plan with his GP.
The Veteran went on to join Defence Gardens Scheme horticultural therapy sessions to improve his self-esteem, confidence, and socialisation. He discussed how he could work with his GP to safely manage his pain in the future. After six months at Brooke House, the Veteran is now self sufficient and living in his own home, regularly taking part in other activities, and organising his own fishing trips.
He gave the following feedback: “Thanks very much for putting the time into getting that letter made up by the different people who helped me, means a lot to not be faced with hostility for a change and get genuine effort towards help.”