A new health support service has been launched for armed forces community in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

'Op Community', a new service for members of the armed forces community who live in or are from Leicestershire and Rutland is now available. It is one of only six pilots of this service operating in England.

Op Community, which will be hosted by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust and sponsored by the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) Integrated Care Board, will provide information and signposting for all health-related matters, to help reduce health inequalities and improve health outcomes for the armed forces community. This includes those currently serving, as well as reservists, veterans and their families and carers.

Op Community will act as a single point of contact, offer support and guidance to navigate the LLR healthcare system and prevent disadvantage. 

Brendan Daly, armed forces lead at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, said: "We are delighted to have been chosen to host Op Community. LPT is the first Mental Health and Community Trust to receive the Veteran Aware Accreditation. We work alongside 20 other NHS Trusts to share best practice and offer non-clinical services that are designed to help our armed forces community on a day-to-day basis. 

"We know very well how some members of the armed forces community can have difficulties getting the right care and support. We're also aware of the sacrifices and obligations families make to support their serving personnel and veterans. Op Community is here to support all members of the armed forces community, including family members, with any potential health issues they may encounter.

"We would encourage you to use this new service, contact us and let us help you find the help, support and care you need."  

Debra Mitchell, Deputy Chief Operating Officer of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board (ICB), added: "We are so pleased to be offering this service which has been designed to help meet the specific needs of our local Armed Forces community. We appreciate and value the huge contribution that they make, and we hope that the Op Community service will offer helpful and timely support." 

'Op Community' is funded by NHS England, sponsored by the LLR ICB and hosted by LPT for an initial period of 18 months.

'Op Community' is available by calling 0116 225 6858 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. 

Users of the service will receive an initial response within 48 hours and a full working response within five days.