Change Mental Health will support carers of veterans with a new service launching in Angus in June 2025, thanks to funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund.

The Veterans Carer Support service will work with families of wounded, injured or sick serving personnel and veterans, aiming to deliver early intervention and prevention mental health support within Angus. Aiming to break down barriers and meeting the needs of carers and the people they support, the service will act as an advocate for individual carers – encouraging them to advocate for themselves while emphasising the importance of self-care.

With funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund, the Veterans Carer Support will support people aged 18 and over, including all former and retired members of the UK armed forces, police, fire service, Merchant Navy and all other emergency services who are carers for this group.

Many unpaid carers often struggle with isolation, depression and anxiety. The service will help develop skills, confidence and coping strategies, together with an understanding of their loved one’s mental illness.

People who access the service will receive initial one-to-one support, before evolving to peer support – where they can meet others who relate to their situation and understand the demands of having caring responsibilities.

Peer support groups will be co-designed with people who are using the service, revolving around the carer’s emotional and practical challenges. These will reflect issues such as financial stress, positive mental health and managing care – encouraging participants to build relationships with their communities while recognising other support that can help them locally and nationally.