TWO former soldiers head up a team to help give veterans and servicemen in Dorset better access to support mental and physical health problems.

Andy Gritt and Vlad Rocas run the Armed Forces (Veterans) Community Health and Wellbeing Team set up by Dorset HealthCare.

The pair both have more than 20 years’ experience in the armed forces and will work with garrisons all over Dorset to see that soldiers are looked after properly.

The team’s aim is to connect the growing number of veterans in Dorset with the health and welfare support they may need as they transition from life in the regiment to the civilian world.

Team leader Andy said: “There are 9,000 military veterans currently living in Dorset, and increasing numbers of homeless veterans who may need support can take around 10 to 14 years, post conflict, to come forward and accept they need help.

“During this period they can spiral into social decline, where they may experience drink and drug problems, relationship breakdown or lose their homes.

“We can now help them on the road to recovery and tailor care to their specific need.

“Many of us have heard of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but there are many more post service conditions, and we forget that these often have a knock-on effect on their families, especially children.”

Veterans’ wives, civil partners, spouses, children and parents can also benefit from the support system created by Andy and Vlad’s team.

They will work alongside garrisons such as Bovington, the Royal Marines in Poole and the personal recovery unit at Tidworth Garrison.

Tidworth Garrison will directly refer cases of veterans or servicemen experiencing physical or mental health problems to them.

The new team’s formation coincides with Dorset HealthCare’s pledge to the Armed Forces Covenant, a statement and moral obligation which exists between the nation, the Government and the Armed Forces.

Published in May 2011, the covenant means Dorset HealthCare agrees to uphold its values through its own vision of ensuring the Armed Forces Community (AFC) live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives after service.

Dorset HealthCare signed up to the covenant in September last year, with the support of well-known Falklands veteran Simon Weston.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the service, or if you would like to get in touch with the team, you can contact Team Leader Andy Gritt on 01202 584440 or email him at andrew.gritt@dhuft.nhs.uk.