Round the clock news of the crisis in the Ukraine and the deployment of UK troops to the Ukraine as part of Op Orbital may impact many in our armed forces and veterans communities. The Military Veterans Service (MVS) and Op Courage North West TILS service remain committed to supporting our veteran communities and addressing any mental health difficulties people may be experiencing.

Strong emotional reactions are normal and there is no right or wrong way to feel about the emerging situation. This news may evoke distress, memories and dreams, particularly if you have previously been deployed, served with colleagues who have been deployed or are a family member of someone who was deployed. In uncertain times, it is common to feel unsettled and for some people, this news may evoke very intense feelings.

If you or someone you know is affected by your time in the military and/or recent events concerning Ukraine and Russia, and you are located in north west England, the Military Veterans Service and Op Courage NHS Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service (TILS) North West are inviting you to contact them to discuss how they can best support you at this time.

General enquiries/referrals can be found by ringing 0300 323 0707 or visiting the MVS website. 

Helpful things to do

We also provide a range of local, confidential services, from talking therapies to help with addictions that are provided by experienced and highly trained staff, many of whom are trained in armed forces community awareness or are armed forces community members themselves. You can access our community services page here.

Crisis information:

• At immediate risk of danger to life? Dial 999
• Struggling to keep yourself safe? Call NHS 111 or attend the A&E department at your nearest hospital.

24/7 support is available for you during a mental health crisis from the following:

• Freephone helpline: 0800 145 6570 if you’re a resident of Liverpool or Sefton
• Freephone helpline: 0800 051 1508 if you’re a resident of Halton, Knowsley, St Helens, Warrington
• Text ‘HEAL’ to 85258 if you’re a resident of Liverpool or Sefton and ‘REACH’ to 85258 if you’re a resident of Halton, Knowsley, St Helens, Warrington
• Samaritans: 116 123
• Combat Stress: 0800 138 161