Veterans First Point has been created in conjunction with
veterans and is run under the clinical direction of NHS
Lothian.
We provide services in four main areas based on what our
veterans group say they require:
> Information and signposting
> Understanding and listening
> Support and social networking
> Health and wellbeing
We believe that because V1P has been designed by veterans, for
veterans and staffed by veterans, we know what it means to
leave the military and to start afresh in civilian life. We
know the range of issues that you might face and what service you
might need to support you through them.
Jason, one of our peer support workers, sums things up
nicely:
"Nothing is difficult. We just didn't know that the help
was there or how to get it. Often it is just a matter of
knowing that one call to the right person gets things sorted
straight away!"
Our job is to provide you and your family with the services and
support to get through whatever issues may be concerning you.
Our aim is to know what call to make and to support you through
them.
At V1P, the services we have available include:
- A well-resourced and relaxed information and advice
centre, centrally located off Princes Street, served by many
bus routes and by both the central rail stations
- A friendly, relaxing environment with reception staff able to
point you in the right direction
- Private consultation rooms or safe quiet spaces if you need
them
- Internet access PCs for jobs, housing, welfare or general
use
- A dedicated team of peer support workers, all trained and with
a comprehensive list of local and national support organisations
that can assist you
- A full-time specialist veterans therapist, offering talking
therapy, counselling and eye movement desensitisation
reprocessing (EMDR)
- A consultant clinical psychologist
- A consultant psychiatrist
- The full backing of the NHS and whatever medical support
you may need through the normal mainstream
services.
- A drop-in service every week day 1pm to 4:30pm
Because we are led by your needs, if you let us know what they
are we will do our best to align our services to meet them.
Let us know if we can improve
anywhere!