OpCOMMUNITY

Op COMMUNITY is an NHS led service in collaboration with the Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) and the Ripple Pond, created to offer support to the Armed Forces Community in London. We provide support for the families, loved ones and carers of those who are currently serving, reservists and veterans.

What do we do?

Op COMMUNITY supports families, loved ones and carers by:

  • Helping you navigate different NHS systems with the view of preventing disadvantage and giving due regard to the Armed Forces Covenant
  • Ensuring safe NHS transfers and continuity of care to provide coordinated support.
  • Working directly with you to help find solutions to the challenges you are facing.
  • Coordinating support to find solutions around issues you face including housing, finance, mental health, and substance misuse.
  • Engaging with established systems and networks to improve the care provided e.g., by increasing awareness and understanding of military life and culture, making NHS staff aware of the importance of recording veteran status and promoting veteran accreditation, and working with existing Armed Forces Networks to identify wider support for the community.

What to expect

  • We aim to respond to inital referrals within 48 working hours.
  • Referrals are then allocated to a DMWS Welfare Officer who will get in touch within five working days to arrange an assessment. The assessment will be completed within 14 days of your referral.