'How I help veterans get mental health support'

A war veteran is using his experiences to build trust and understanding for ex-servicemen seeking mental health support or navigating the criminal justice system.

Andrew Sharp served in the Gulf War and in the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus and now works as a veteran liaison support officer at the Kent and Medway Mental Health Trust.

The 55-year-old from Gravesend says one of the biggest challenges in his role is encouraging veterans to open up about their struggles and accept they need help.

"Soldiers are trained to be resilient, so seeking support does not come naturally to them," he said.

The former soldier joined the Army when he was 16.

"I was bullied at school and I wanted to do something to build my confidence," he said.

After more than four years, he left the service.

"It wasn't easy adapting to life outside the Army, it was like a different world," he added.

Andrew said in his first job after the Army, he worked at a warehouse and witnessed a colleague swearing at the manager.

"That really startled me," he recalled. "I had never seen anything like that in the Army. We were taught to respect our seniors."

Andrew said every veteran faced different challenges.

"Some joined the Army hoping it could help them cope with their mental health issues," he said.

"When they leave the Army, some can manage their problems while some can't.

"There are situations where veterans develop erratic behaviour, splitting from family and end up homeless.

"Some are more likely to take risks, they gamble and incur debts, become addicted to drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism."

Andrew works with veterans in custody, advocating for them in court, supporting people leaving prison, and linking veterans to the NHS mental health specialist service.

Other support includes housing, benefits, employment and healthcare.

The NHS trust said it had achieved a 0% reoffending rate over three years for veterans engaging with its support services.

Dr Afifa Qazi, chief medical officer for the trust, said: "Andrew's work demonstrates how lived experience can build trust and create safer communities.

"He stays in regular contact with veterans and treats every person with dignity regardless of their background or offence.

"The 0% reoffending rate is an outstanding achievement and reflects our commitment to delivering truly inclusive care to our veterans."

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said it was investing more than £25m each year into physical and mental health services.

"We are addressing veterans' concerns about fragmented support services through the new £50m Valour programme, which will improve veterans' access to essential care by improving enhanced coordination of support," they said.

"We're determined no veteran falls through the cracks, and through Veterans Services, we're supporting personnel to move successfully into civilian life."

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