Veterans First Point NHS Ayrshire & Arran

Veterans First Point (V1P) Ayrshire & Arran exists to provide a comprehensive, integrated support network for veterans, reservists and their families, recognising the often complex and challenging transition from military to civilian life. The core aim of the service is to ensure that veterans can easily access the practical, emotional, psychological, and social assistance they need, delivered in a way that is accessible, credible, and tailored to the unique experiences of those who have served. A key element of V1P’s purpose is to act as a one‑stop, veteran‑led service, designed by veterans, for veterans, and staffed by individuals with lived experience of military service. This structure is intentional: it enhances trust, relatability, and the sense of belonging that many veterans find crucial when seeking support. V1P employs Peer Support Workers, who provide welfare advice, camaraderie, and practical help while also supporting engagement with clinical or specialist interventions where needed. This reinforces the central aim of increasing the credibility, accessibility, and coordination of services available to veterans. V1P Ayrshire & Arran offers support across a wide range of domains, reflecting the reality that veterans’ needs are often multi‑layered. The service helps individuals navigate challenges related to housing, mental health, physical health, relationships, family matters, finances, addiction, careers, employment, and social support. By addressing these diverse areas, V1P aims to remove barriers to wellbeing and independence, guiding veterans towards the right support—whether delivered in‑house or via partner organisations. This holistic approach ensures that veterans can make sense of the many services available to them and provides a clear pathway to specialist help when required. Another central part of V1P’s mission is to provide access to evidence‑based psychological and psychiatric assessment and treatments. The service is equipped to support veterans dealing with issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health difficulties. Through professional clinical input—combined with the veteran-led ethos—the organisation aims to ensure veterans receive high-quality, appropriate care that takes into account the nuances of military experience. V1P also aims to improve the coordination of services across the wider NHS and community networks, ensuring veterans are not left navigating fragmented systems alone. This includes facilitating communication between agencies, making referrals, and ensuring veterans understand and can access community-based resources. The network of Veterans First Point services across Scotland shares this aim, ensuring consistency and quality regardless of region, while still tailoring services to local needs. Ultimately, the aim of Veterans First Point Ayrshire & Arran is to provide a safe, welcoming, and non‑judgemental environment, where veterans and their families can access the right support at the right time. Whether a veteran is struggling with everyday challenges or more complex, long‑term issues, V1P’s mission is to offer a reliable point of contact that combines professional expertise with lived experience, promoting recovery, resilience, and social reintegration

• All genders
• Middle-aged adult (36-55), Older adult (56 and older), Young adult (18-35)

• Any agency

Veterans First Point (V1P) Ayrshire & Arran offers an accessible, open‑door referral system designed to make it easy for veterans, reservists and their families to seek support. Veterans can self‑refer by calling the main number 01294 310400 or emailing aa.clinical_veteransfirstpoint@aapct.scot.nhs.uk. They can also attend in person at the Irvine office during normal opening hours. Professionals such as GPs, mental health workers, and support organisations may also refer or direct veterans to the service using these same contact details After referral, veterans typically receive an initial contact followed by a registration process with a Peer Support Worker from V1P which can then provide access to evidence‑based psychological/psychiatric treatment and practical support across areas including health, social support and finances. The process is intentionally simple, flexible, and veteran‑led to ensure rapid, barrier‑free access to help.

clinical_veteransfirstpoint@aapct.scot.nhs.uk

01294 310400