Female veterans support group makes national impact

A mental health support service for female veterans founded one year ago could be replicated across the country.

The support groups are run by the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, which provides mental health services.

Forty-eight women across both counties have been helped so far, with organisers getting calls from other trusts interested in starting a similar service.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) said it had developed a new female veterans toolkit offering bespoke guidance and support.

Clinical nurse specialist Vicki Bailey said the women benefit from spending time together and sharing experiences.

As well as mental health support, guest speakers focus on issues such as military pensions and the impact of the menopause.

Bailey has been working with the MOD to help them develop their support for women still serving and those leaving the forces.

She said: “I’ve had people nationally reach out to find out how we’ve done it, what we’ve done and more people are saying ‘yes, there is a need’.

“Women face specific issues as veterans and I think from a government perspective and a healthcare perspective this is being heard.

“I think there’s a lot of work that still needs to happen, especially inside the military and for those that are transitioning out of the services.

“If you don’t know what’s out there to support you it’s quite scary and daunting.”

Chelley Tulloch, a former RAF medic, has been working with the group and found it beneficial to her mental health.

She experienced PTSD following multiple deployments to war zones around the world, where she helped injured soldiers who were being rescued from battles and taken to hospital.

Tulloch said she was really desperate at times.

“I just went through a lot of low moods, nightmares, seeing things, hearing things, smelling things, doubting myself, not being able to do things that I could do.

“It really does affect the way your brain thinks.”

Tulloch said with more women entering the military it is likely more dedicated mental health support will be needed.

“I talk to people in Scotland, I talk to people in Wales, and I’m talking to so many different ladies at the moment about what they’re doing.

“There’s all sorts of different organisations out there now for the female veterans, and we are all pulling together.”

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The MOD said it was investing more in NHS services for veterans.

A spokesperson said: “We owe a debt of gratitude to all those who serve, and since 2024, we have made significant changes to improve mental health support for personnel and veterans – including for the growing number of women in our armed forces.”

They said serving personnel can use a 24-hour helpline and get access to mental health professionals.

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