Abstract: The Call to Mind: Northern Ireland report outlines the progress that has been made in improving mental health services overall in Northern Ireland. All the stakeholders who engaged in this review clearly value the progress that has been made and are committed to delivering services to a high standard and ensuring the particular needs of veterans are met. The key messages and opportunities for further development, outlined in the report, have come from a desktop review of strategies and policy documents and the views of stakeholders working directly with veterans. The report highlights the need for robust data and information, and increased awareness about the needs of veterans in Northern Ireland; the importance of reducing stigma; better information for veterans and their families to enable them to access the most appropriate services; and the development of more community-based mental health provision including development of the Mental Trauma Service as a national trauma focused network.
While most individuals achieve the transition to civilian life smoothly, some face significant challenges. Although numerous support services are available to those who need them, …