Drug, alcohol and mental health support for UK armed forces community received gold award

Specialist support provided by WithYou for UK Armed Forces veterans, serving members and their families has received the highest recognition with a Gold award in the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).

WithYou for the Armed Forces Community provides a unique service for community members dealing with challenges with drug or alcohol use and mental health.  The service is led by a dedicated programme lead, with armed forces leads embedded in services, many with a military background. The service currently offers:

• access to treatment and interventions which can support clients to cut down, or stop, drug or alcohol use
• access to groups and activities which are attended exclusively by members of the armed forces community
• support with a range of other issues, such as mental health, physical health, housing and more 
• information about wider services and benefits available to veterans and military personnel
• the opportunity to connect with wider veteran and military networks and social groups

The programme also supports family members impacted by a loved one’s alcohol or drug use.

Andy Craze, National Armed Forces Programme Lead for WithYou said:

“We are delighted to receive the ERS Gold award for the important work we do both directly with the Armed Forces community and in the recruitment of our staff.

“We understand that life after the military can be a challenging time. Fitting into civilian life, and finding new purpose and meaning, can be difficult. In some cases, people can start using drugs or alcohol in a way that doesn’t help. WithYou provides specialist support to help lead a fulfilling life not hindered by dependence. We do this by acknowledging the specific experiences of people in the Armed Forces community, capitalising on the strengths of military identity and using this to enhance recovery.

“Whether you or someone you know is struggling with the transition to civilian life, coping with the physical and mental stress of military experience, or just need someone to talk to, we can provide you with free and confidential support”