Long Term Support for Veterans Mental Health

The Anxious Minds Veteran Recovery College is a pioneering initiative founded by a veteran who, after battling mental health struggles and homelessness, turned his experiences into a mission to support others. His first-hand understanding of the challenges faced by service personnel, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and the stigma of seeking help drives this life changing work.

Recognising the barriers veterans face, including the average 13-year delay in seeking professional support, the college provides early intervention and long-term care tailored to veterans and their families. It bridges gaps in services for those unable to access or transitioning out of NHS Op Courage programmes, offering specialist mental health and addiction support.

For five years, the Veteran Recovery College has supported over 250 veterans and their families annually through comprehensive care, including:

* Trauma-trained counselling for veterans with PTSD and trauma.

* SMART Recovery programmes using CBT and positive psychology for addiction recovery.

* Peer support groups, with 15 sessions weekly, offering mindfulness, breathwork, art therapy, and outdoor therapy.

Beyond therapy, the college provides a Food Bank, Veterans’ Kitchen, Advice Services, Employment Support, and Family Engagement. Referrals come from GPs, Veteran Charities, Crisis and Mental Health teams.

The College is accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists and has earned multiple awards for healthcare excellence.

MARKEL 3rd Sector Cares awards Making a Difference Award shortlisted 2025

Winner Leader of the Year" award at the English Veteran Awards 2024

Winner Best Community Mental Healthcare Provider 2024 - Tyne & Wear

Winner Best Mental Health Support Provider - North East in the Northern Enterprise Awards 2022

Winner Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Awards Winner Best Charitable Counselling & Support Service - North East England 2022

English Veteran Awards Role Model of the Year - Silver Award 2022

Winner English Veteran Awards Health and Well-being – Gold Award 2022

Winner Best Veteran Focused Mental Health Service - North East England GHP Mental Health Awards 2022

Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award 2022

Winner The Soldiering on Award 2021 (Healthcare and Rehabilitation)

Winner Best Vulnerable People Support Provider North East England Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Awards 2021

Winner The UK's Mental Health and Wellbeing Award 2022

Winner Best Mental Health Support Services of the Year 2022

Winner Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Awards and winning Best Charitable Counselling & Support Service 2022

Winner Best Veteran Focused Mental Health Service - North East England GHP Mental Health Awards 2022

Leader of the year England veteran awards shortlisted 2023

Lifetime Achievement England veteran awards shortlisted 2023

We urgently need your support to keep the doors open