If you are in emotional distress or despair call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 and speak to a counsellor immediately.

For support or information about mental health, call our Infoline team on 0808 189 0036

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Open Minds is a programme at supporting veterans who are struggling with their mental health. 

Every veteran carries a story. Some stories are filled with pride and resilience, others with unseen battles that continue long after service. Whether you are a veteran yourself, a family member or carer of a veteran or you work with veterans in your workplace, we have created tools to help veterans.

Many veterans across Northern Ireland experience shame and stigma when talking about their mental health. They may be worried about being seen as weak and this can stop veterans reaching out when they are struggling.

This programme provides you the information on how you can play your part in helping break down those barriers.

Want to find out more information?

Open Minds Programme Elements

Open Minds is built around three key elements designed to create lasting change for veterans in Northern Ireland:

Training for Professionals
  • Tailored workshops and resources for those who may encounter veterans in their workplace—healthcare staff, HR teams, managers, and frontline service providers.
  • Practical guidance on recognising signs of mental health challenges, responding with empathy, and connecting veterans to the right support.
  • Skills to foster inclusive environments where veterans feel understood and valued.
Anti‑Stigma Campaign
  • A nationwide effort to challenge misconceptions about veterans’ mental health.
  • Real stories from veterans and families that highlight resilience, recovery, and the importance of seeking help.
  • Public awareness materials—posters, videos, and social media content—that encourage open conversations and dismantle harmful stereotypes.
Digital Toolkit
  • An online tool to compliment the training, accessible anytime, anywhere.
  • Includes checklists, conversation starters, referral pathways, and practical tips for supporting veterans.
  • Designed to empower professionals, families, and communities with the tools they need to break stigma and promote wellbeing.

We want to normalise talking about mental health in the veteran community but also share advice and tools on how you can help. Below you will find dedicated pathways of support.

  • If you are a veteran seeking support, you can click through to resources built around lived experience, practical guidance, and confidential help.

  • Family members and carers have their own section, offering tools to start conversations, recognise signs of struggle, and provide meaningful support.
  • If you work with veterans, you can access a tailored area that equips you with training and strategies to challenge stigma in your work.

Each section is easy to navigate—simply click on the image that reflects your role, and you’ll be guided to the tools and information that matter most.

Want to find out more about Open Minds? 

Contact us via the form below or by calling Michael Donaldson, Project Coordinator on 074 2207 4363.

Please check your Junk Box for a response

Looking for support?

Below are organisations that provide help and support to:

  • Inspire’s Infoline provides information and signposting for people in Northern Ireland including our veteran community. It is a service for people seeking support, looking for information, or if they want to have chat about mental health. Inspire Infoline 0808 189 0036.
  • Veterans Support NI– Veterans Support NI has information on a range of veterans organisations across NI – Veterans Support NI | Northern Ireland Veterans Charity
  • Combat Stress – Combat Stress provide provide specialist treatment and support for veterans from every service and conflict, focusing on those with complex mental health issues related to their military service – combatstress.org.uk
  • Samaritans- Samaritans provides completely confidential emotional support face-to-face, via phone, email and letter, around the clock every day of the year, supporting people in emotional distress and vulnerable situations, including veterans, serving personnel, reservists and Service families, with mental health issues, relationship breakdown and suicidal thoughts. In the military and Armed Forces Community | How we can help (samaritans.org)
  • Veterans UK – Veterans UK is part of the Ministry of Defence (MOD). They administer the Armed Forces Pension Schemes and compensation payments for those injured or bereaved through service. They also provide a package of free welfare and transition support for Service Personnel, Veterans and their families via a national Veterans Welfare Service, Defence Transition Services and a helpline facility.​ Veterans UK helpline: 0808 1914 2 18.

If the risk is immediate…

  • Call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 – Lifeline is the Regional Northern Ireland crisis response helpline service for people who are experiencing crisis. No matter what your age or where you live in Northern Ireland, if you are or someone you know is in distress or despair, Lifeline is here to help.  Deaf and hard of hearing Textphone users can call Lifeline on 18001 0808 808 8000.
  • Call the emergency services 999 – If you’re having suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a serious mental health crisis, call the emergency services for immediate help.
  • Speak to your GP – Your GP can talk to you about your mental health and help introduce you to the right mental health service for your needs.
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