2. Background In January 2010, Pennine Care was invited by the SHA to join a steering group to develop an IAPT for a Military Veterans Service. The steering group was to develop a clinical model and a clinical workforce to meet the needs of veterans, their families and carers. The programme is part of the North West region’s response to the recommendations made by Dr Andrew Murrison in his report “Fighting Fit – A Mental Health Plan for Servicemen and Veterans” This IAPT programme is the first one in the country for Military Veterans and will be delivered across the north west of England. The service is being funded as part of the national Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme. It will have a strong focus on social inclusion and employment.

3. The service The service is for: Veterans from the armed forces (Army, Royal Navy, Royal Airforce). Veterans of Merchant Navy. Veterans from reserve forces, for example, TA and Field Hospital. Immediate family members of the above veterans. The Military Veterans Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) pilot will provide a non-urgent service to Military Veterans and their families across the North West region. The service is all age, providing individual and group therapy to people aged 16 and over and offering family therapy services which will include children of Military Veterans under 16.

4. The service Veterans and their families will be able to self-refer to the service via telephone or e-mail or be referred to the service by their GP, Probation Officer or a case worker from a charity such as Royal British Legion or SSAFA. The new service will provide a range of evidence based talking therapies to veterans and their families who are suffering from mild to moderate common mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder. The pilot service will be operational from late summer 2011 and run until 31 March 2013.

5. Service launch and promotion The service went live on the 1st September and is now open to referrals, offering interventions across the North West. A key aim for the launch is to raise awareness of the service at a strategic level, influencing planning and development of services for military veterans and their families and carers. Established a recognisable brand for the service in consultation with veterans. Robust communications and marketing plan in place including a regional and national media campaign, promotional video, launch event, stakeholder briefing packs, website and marketing materials.