About this action

Veterans face unique health challenges including higher rates of PTSD, substance misuse, and homelessness, yet often don't identify themselves or seek help due to military culture emphasising self-reliance. The RCGP Veteran Friendly Practice accreditation ensures practices can identify and support this overlooked population. Approaches to implementation: - Train staff to ask about military service and record veteran status - Ensure staff understand military culture and its impact on help-seeking behaviour - Understand common veteran health issues including mental health, hearing loss, and musculoskeletal problems - Build referral pathways to veteran-specific services and charities - Create visible signs of welcome such as displaying the Veterans' Covenant Key benefits: Improves identification and support for a population with health needs often unrecognised in general practice, demonstrates respect for military service whilst addressing health inequalities veterans face, and connects veterans with specialised support services they may not know exist.