Armed Forces Veteran Friendly

We are an Armed Forces veteran friendly accredited GP Practice

This means that, as part of the health commitments of the Armed Forces Covenant, at The Verwood Surgery we:

  • Have a clinical lead for veteran health - Dr Rathika Thangavel
  • Ask patients "Have you served?" to identify veteran patients
  • Support veteran patients to access dedicated health services
  • Undertake specialist training to meet the health commitment of the Armed Forces Covenant

This is important in helping ex-forces to get the best care and treatment.  

If you are a veteran patient, please let us know that you have served so that we can make sure that we understand your health needs.

we are an armed forces veteran friendly GP practice

Top tips for veterans

The Veteran Friendly Practices accreditation scheme is run by the Royal College of General Practitioners (the RCGP) in partnership with NHS England and NHS Improvement.   The RCGP and the NHS have developed a leaflet to help ex-forces patients get the most from their GP. 

Download and view a copy of the leaflet

Image representing Op COURAGE: the veterans mental health and wellbeing service

Op COURAGE: the Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service

Op COURAGE is an NHS mental health specialist service designed to help serving personnel due to leave the military, reservists, armed forces veterans and their families.

Op COURAGE can help you and your family with a range of support and treatment.  To find our more about mental health support for veterans, service leavers and reservists, please visit the NHS Help & Support information page.

Op RESTORE: The Veterans Physical Health and Wellbeing Service

If you have a chronic physical health condition or injury related to your time in service, Op RESTORE can help. While it cannot guarantee faster treatment, the service provides specialist support and works closely with the NHS to ensure your care is properly coordinated and tailored to your needs.

To access this service, you must:

  • have served on day in the UK Armed Forces
  • live in England
  • be registered with a GP in England
  • have a physical illness or injury linked to your military Service.
    Speak to your GP or Social Prescriber to request a referral.

Learn more about Op RESTORE

Op RESTORE and NHS logos, the words To access this service you must have served one day in the UK Armed Forces, live in England, be registered with a GP in England and have a physical illness or injury linked to your military service

Free access to Togetherall

Our veteran patients have free access to Togetherall - Togetherall is a safe anonymous online community where members can share what’s on their mind, take comfort reading the thoughts of others or browse the many resources available. 

Togetherall provides: 

  • A supportive online community – moderated by professionals at all times (BACP members or equivalent)
  • An anonymous space, free from stigma or judgement.
  • A safe place to talk at any time of the day or night.
  • A library of self-help materials, including structured online courses on topics such as managing depression, improving sleep and a ‘managing PTSD’ course, which has been specifically designed to support the Armed Forces.

The Togetherall service is free for veterans and can be accessed immediately through a computer or mobile device at www.togetherall.com, click ‘Join’ and then select 'I am part of the UK Armed Forces community'.

Verwood AFVBC (Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club)

As part of our commitment to supporting veterans’ well-being, we are pleased to highlight the Verwood Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club (AFVBC) — a monthly gathering run “By Veterans For Veterans” that brings together local service personnel and ex-service community members in a welcoming, supportive environment. The club meets on the first Saturday of each month, from 09:00 to 11:00, at The Swans, Pennine Way, Verwood, Dorset, BH31 6UL.

Find out more on the AFVBC website here.

The Verwood AFVBC logo
The Office for Veterans' Affairs logo

Connection to advice and support for veterans and their families

The Office for Veterans' Affairs provides a directory on the government's website. This resource allows you to find organizations that provide support to veterans and their families. You can filter the results by location and the type of support needed, such as physical and mental health, financial support, housing, and employment.

Find support for UK armed forces veterans and their families on the Gov.UK website.

You can also call the Veterans' Gateway helpline for information and referral support.

The number is 0808 802 1212.

OUR COMMITMENT AS A VETERAN FRIENDLY GP PRACTICE

Scroll down to view our Vet Friendly Patient Charter, or follow this link to download and view a PDF copy.

The Patient Charter: our commitment to you as a veteran of the UK Armed Forces
Page last reviewed: 28 May 2026
Page created: 26 February 2024