LEAVING SERVICE – An advocacy project supporting ex-military personnel funded through South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Over the past 6 months Verd de gris arts have been developing a new film + advocacy project with filmmaker Geoff Brokate – exploring aspects of mental health and suicide prevention with ex-military personnel.

The project was commissioned by West Yorkshire Health & Care Partnership, and draws on the knowledge and expertise of some of the UK’s leading practitioners and academics working in this field including: Jo Jukes, Founder of For the Fallen; Nick Wood MSc FHEA, Armed Forces & Uniformed Services Manager York St John’s University; Dr Celia Hynes, Senior Engagement Office, College for Military Veterans and Emergency Services University of Central Lancashire; Ian Barber MSc, Project Lead, Lancashire Armed Forces Covenant Hub.

“Speaking out can be the scariest thing to do”
Julius Davidson Eng Manager + Military Veteran

You can watch the film here:

The film project was devised for people working in health, social care, criminal justice – in order to increase awareness of the particular mental health and social situation presented by leaving service – and the increased suicide risk in this population. Information for viewers about where to go if they are feeling suicidal, bereaved or are a veterans and need peer support, are all at the end of the film.

If anyone watching the film has been affected by any of the issues raised, please click on the link to the West Yorkshire Suicide Prevention website, where you can find a wealth of supportive material and appropriate contacts. Funded by the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership Suicide Prevention programme