Four veterans are sharing their personal experiences of mental health, recovery and seeking support in a new series of films led by Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (BSMHFT).

The films, produced as part of Midlands Op COURAGE, feature veterans David, Jennifer, Paul and Stephen, who speak openly about their experiences of life after military service and the difference accessing the right support has made to them.

Led by BSMHFT and Dr Helen Brown, Clinical Lead for Midlands Op COURAGE at the Trust, the project puts veterans’ voices and lived experience at its heart. Working closely with the veterans featured, the team has created a series of films that aim to raise awareness of mental health, challenge stigma and encourage others to reach out for help.

Launching during Remembrance Week, the films are intended to be a lasting resource for veterans, their families, professionals and organisations supporting the Armed Forces community. They will remain available beyond Remembrance Week, helping to start conversations and remind veterans that they do not have to face difficult experiences alone.

Dr Helen Brown, Clinical Lead for Midlands Op COURAGE at BSMHFT, said:

“There is something incredibly powerful about hearing directly from veterans about their own experiences. These videos give people space to talk honestly about the challenges they have faced and what has helped them along the way.

“We hope that their openness will help others feel understood and recognise that difficult experiences after military service are not something they have to manage alone.”

Stephen, one of the veterans featured in the films (pictured above), said:

“It’s been a real privilege to be involved in the project, and I sincerely hope that sharing my experiences will encourage other veterans to reach out and access the support available to them.”

The films also reflect the importance of listening to veterans and involving people with lived experience in shaping mental health services.

Dr Dan Barnard, Midlands Op COURAGE Clinical Lead at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, said:

“Listening to veterans is fundamental to providing care that genuinely reflects their needs. These videos allow veterans to speak about their experiences in their own words, offering perspectives that clinical expertise alone cannot provide.

“Their stories offer a glimpse into some of the realities veterans can experience after military service and help us shape support around the people who need it.”

Doug Wing, Operational Lead for Midlands Op COURAGE at Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“Remembrance is a really important time for veterans and the wider Armed Forces community, but we also know it can bring back difficult memories and emotions.

“What makes these videos so powerful is that they’re veterans telling their own stories, in their own words. We hope someone watching might recognise something of their own experience, realise they’re not alone and know that support is out there.

“Taking that first step and asking for help isn’t always easy, which is why hearing from someone who has been through something similar can make such a difference. I’m incredibly grateful to the veterans who have been so open with us and trusted us to share their experiences.”

The project was made possible through funding from Birmingham City Council’s Inclusion Health Grants Programme, in partnership with Caring Minds, the registered charity of BSMHFT.

The films will be shared across Midlands Op COURAGE and its partner organisations, alongside information about how veterans, service leavers, reservists and their families can access specialist mental health and wellbeing support.

Watch the films

The films are available to watch on BSMHFT’s YouTube channel.

About Midlands Op COURAGE

Midlands Op COURAGE is a nationally commissioned NHS specialist service supporting people who have served in the Armed Forces.

Since forming a unified partnership in April 2023, bringing together three NHS trusts and five charities, more than 4,000 people have accessed support.

Midlands Op COURAGE is delivered in partnership by:

  • Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
  • Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
  • Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust
  • St Andrew’s Healthcare
  • Walking With The Wounded
  • The Ripple Pond
  • Tom Harrison House
  • Mental Health Matters

How to access Midlands Op COURAGE

Veterans, their families and health professionals can refer or self-refer to Midlands Op COURAGE by calling 0300 323 0137 or emailing mevs.mhm@nhs.net.

Find out more on the Midlands Op COURAGE website.