Mental health support for veterans in Durham: Finding Help, Community and Wellbeing Support

Leaving the Armed Forces can be a significant life transition. While military service can provide valuable skills, strong relationships, and a sense of purpose, adjusting to civilian life may sometimes bring new challenges.

Veterans can experience changes in routine, employment, relationships, social connections, and daily life after leaving the armed forces. For some people, these changes can affect their emotional well-being and confidence.

For veterans living in County Durham and the wider North East, knowing where to find appropriate support can make an important difference.

SMARTT Veterans CIC is a veteran-led organisation based in the North East of England supporting UK veterans and their families through education, employment support, mental health support, housing assistance, food poverty initiatives and community programmes.

In this guide, we explore mental health and wellbeing support for veterans, the importance of community connection, physical activity and knowing when to seek professional help.

Mental health support for veterans in Durham: Why Is Mental Health Support Important for Veterans?

Mental wellbeing is an important part of life after military service.

The transition from a structured military environment into civilian life can involve significant changes. Veterans may need time to adjust to a different routine, workplace, social environment or sense of purpose.

SMARTT Veterans highlights mental health support as one of its key areas of support for veterans and their families.

Mental health support can involve different forms of help depending on an individual’s circumstances.

This may include:

Talking to someone you trust
Connecting with other veterans
Taking part in community activities
Developing a healthier routine
Becoming more physically active
Accessing appropriate professional support
Seeking help early when difficulties begin to affect everyday life

Every veteran’s situation is different, so the most appropriate type of support will vary from person to person.

What Mental Health Challenges Can Veterans Experience?

There is no single experience of military transition.

Some veterans may find civilian life straightforward, while others may experience difficulties with:

Social isolation
Loss of routine
Loss of purpose
Employment changes
Financial pressure
Relationship difficulties
Low confidence
Stress
Anxiety
Low mood
Difficulty adjusting to civilian life

Experiencing difficulties does not mean that someone has failed to transition.

Mental health support for veterans in Durham. Recognising that support may be needed can be an important first step.

Why Can the Transition From Military to Civilian Life Be Difficult?

Military life can provide a strong sense of structure, identity, teamwork and purpose.

Leaving that environment can mean adapting to significant changes.

For example, a veteran may suddenly have to:

Build a new daily routine
Find civilian employment
Develop new professional networks
Explain military experience to civilian employers
Adjust to changes in social relationships
Find new hobbies and interests
Develop a new sense of purpose

For some veterans, these changes can feel overwhelming.

Having access to supportive people and veteran-focused community activities can make the transition easier.

Mental health support for veterans in Durham: The Importance of Veteran Community and Connection

Community can play an important role in wellbeing.

Veterans may benefit from spending time with people who understand military life and the experiences associated with serving.

SMARTT Veterans supports community activities designed to help veterans connect with others.

Mental health support for veterans in Durham. One example is the Consett Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club (AFVBC).

The club welcomes serving personnel and veterans and provides opportunities to:

Meet other veterans
Reconnect with old comrades
Make new friends
Share experiences
Access information and support
Become part of the local Armed Forces community

The club meets on the first Saturday of each month at 10 AM and does not require membership or fees.

Consett Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club

Can Physical Activity Support Veteran Wellbeing?

Physical activity can be one part of maintaining overall wellbeing.

It can also provide opportunities for veterans to socialise, establish a routine and participate in activities with other members of the community.

SMARTT Veterans runs a Walking Football programme in County Durham designed to encourage veterans to become active while building social connections.

The programme provides weekly walking football sessions at Consett FC, led by a qualified coach, with the aim of supporting physical activity, social connection and mental wellbeing.

The programme was developed following engagement with older veterans in County Durham and focuses on making activity accessible and enjoyable.

Mental health support for veterans in Durham: Walking Football for Veterans in County Durham

Walking football is a slower-paced version of football designed to make the sport more accessible.

For veterans, activities like walking football can provide more than physical exercise.

They can also create opportunities to:

Meet other veterans
Develop friendships
Build confidence
Establish a weekly routine
Stay physically active
Reconnect with the Armed Forces community
Enjoy social activities

SMARTT Veterans describes its Walking Football programme as a way to support physical resurgence, mental resilience and enduring bonds among veterans.

Mental health support for veterans in Durham: How Social Connection Can Help Veterans

Social isolation can affect anyone, including veterans.

After leaving the Armed Forces, some people may lose regular contact with former colleagues and friends.

Building new social connections can provide:

Companionship
A sense of belonging
Opportunities to share experiences
Motivation to participate in activities
Access to informal support
A stronger connection with the local community

Veteran-focused groups can provide a familiar environment where people can meet others with shared experiences.

When Should a Veteran Consider Seeking Professional Help?

Community activities and wellbeing programmes can be valuable, but they are not a replacement for professional mental health care.

Mental health support for veterans in Durham. A veteran should consider seeking professional help if emotional or psychological difficulties are:

Persistent
Getting worse
Affecting everyday life
Affecting relationships
Affecting work
Making it difficult to sleep or function normally
Causing significant distress

If you are concerned about your mental health, speak with an appropriate healthcare or mental health professional.

If there is an immediate risk to someone’s safety, seek urgent professional assistance.

Mental Health Support Does Not Have to Mean Facing Things Alone

One of the most important steps can be talking to someone.

That person could be:

A family member
A trusted friend
Another veteran
A veteran support organisation
A GP
A qualified mental health professional

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.

Veterans have already demonstrated resilience in many different circumstances. Seeking appropriate support can be another positive step towards building a healthier and more connected civilian life.

How SMARTT Veterans Supports Veteran Wellbeing

SMARTT Veterans CIC is a veteran-led organisation supporting veterans and their families across the North East.

Its wider support includes:

Education & Training
Employment Support
Mental Health Support
Housing Assistance
Food Poverty Initiatives
Community Activities

The organisation’s approach focuses on providing practical support, meaningful opportunities and community connections for veterans and their families.

For veterans in County Durham, local access to veteran-focused support can provide an important starting point when looking for help.

Mental Health and Employment Can Be Connected

Mental health support for veterans in Durham. Mental wellbeing and employment can sometimes influence one another.

For example, difficulties with employment can contribute to financial pressure, loss of confidence or reduced social interaction.

At the same time, improving confidence, gaining new qualifications and becoming involved in community activities can support a person’s overall transition.

This is why veteran support can benefit from a holistic approach rather than focusing on only one area of a person’s life.

SMARTT Veterans provides both employment and education support alongside its mental health and community-focused initiatives.

Employment Support for Veterans in County Durham

Building a Healthier Routine After Military Service

Creating a regular routine can be useful during the transition to civilian life.

A healthy routine might include:

Regular physical activity
Adequate rest
Social interaction
Time with family
Hobbies
Learning new skills
Volunteering
Employment or training
Community activities

There is no single routine that works for everyone.

The important thing is to find activities that provide structure, purpose and positive connections.

Why Local Veteran Support Matters in County Durham

Local support can make it easier for veterans to find services and activities within their own community.

According to SMARTT Veterans, County Durham had an estimated 22,615 veterans according to the 2021 Census, representing 5.2% of the population. The organisation also reports that 13.2% of veterans in County Durham reported their health as bad or very bad.

These figures highlight the importance of accessible veteran support within the local community.

For veterans living in Consett, County Durham and surrounding areas, organisations such as SMARTT Veterans can provide a starting point for discovering local support, activities and opportunities.

Mental health support for veterans in Durham: How can families support a veteran?

Families can also play an important role in supporting veteran wellbeing.

Helpful approaches may include:

Listening without judgement
Encouraging healthy routines
Supporting social connection
Encouraging appropriate professional help
Taking concerns seriously
Helping the veteran stay connected with family and community
Learning about available veteran support services

It is also important for families to look after their own wellbeing and seek appropriate support when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mental Health Support for Veterans

What mental health support is available for veterans in County Durham?

SMARTT Veterans identifies mental health support as one of its core support areas. Its wider programmes also include community activities, employment support, education and training and other practical assistance.

How can veterans improve their mental wellbeing?

There is no single solution. Staying socially connected, maintaining a healthy routine, participating in physical activity and seeking appropriate professional support when needed can all form part of a wellbeing plan.

Is there a veterans’ community group in Consett?

Yes. The Consett Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club is open to serving personnel and veterans. It meets on the first Saturday of each month at 10 AM and provides opportunities for social connection, information and support.

Is there walking football for veterans in County Durham?

SMARTT Veterans runs weekly walking football sessions at Consett FC, designed to encourage veterans to become active and connected with their community.

Can physical activity help veteran wellbeing?

Physical activity can be one part of maintaining overall wellbeing and can also provide opportunities for social interaction. SMARTT Veterans’ Walking Football programme combines physical activity with community and social connection.

When should a veteran seek professional mental health support?

If emotional or psychological difficulties are persistent, worsening or interfering with everyday life, relationships or work, it can be appropriate to speak with a qualified healthcare or mental health professional.

Can families get support too?

Yes. SMARTT Veterans’ mission includes supporting veterans and their families, and its wider services and community programmes are designed around the needs of the Armed Forces community.

Looking for Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Support?

You do not have to face the transition from military to civilian life alone.

Whether you are looking for community connection, physical activity, employment support, education and training or information about veteran wellbeing, taking the first step can make a difference.

If you are a veteran or part of a veteran family in County Durham or the wider North East, explore the support available through SMARTT Veterans.

Contact SMARTT Veterans to find out more about available support, community activities and opportunities for veterans and their families.