A mental health support service for female veterans, launched just one year ago by the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, is proving so effective that it might go national. So far, 48 women across both counties have been helped, and organizers are fielding calls from other trusts eager to replicate the model. The Ministry of Defence, perhaps sensing a trend, has developed a new female veterans toolkit offering bespoke guidance and support.

Clinical nurse specialist Vicki Bailey, who runs the groups, says the women benefit from sharing experiences and hearing guest speakers on topics like military pensions and menopause - because apparently, leaving the forces doesn't exempt you from hormonal changes. Bailey has been working with the MOD to improve support for current and former servicewomen, noting that people nationally have reached out to learn how to do it. "Women face specific issues as veterans," she said, "and from a government and healthcare perspective, this is being heard." Though she admits there's still work to do, especially for those transitioning out of the military. "If you don't know what's out there to support you, it's quite scary and daunting."

Chelley Tulloch, a former RAF medic, found the group beneficial for her mental health after experiencing PTSD from multiple deployments to war zones. She described low moods, nightmares, and self-doubt - things that "really do affect the way your brain thinks." Tulloch, who now chats with fellow female veterans from Scotland to Wales, says more women entering the military means more need for dedicated support. "There's all sorts of different organisations out there now for the female veterans, and we are all pulling together."

The MOD, for its part, says it's investing more in NHS services for veterans and has made significant changes to improve mental health support since 2024, including a 24-hour helpline for serving personnel. Because nothing says "we value you" like a phone line.