The NHS is responsible for your healthcare and you should register with a local GP and dentist. Make sure your tell them you are a member of the Armed Forces community.

Lanarkshire is covered by two health boards - North Lanarkshire and most of South Lanarkshire are covered by NHS Lanarkshire. Rutherglen in South Lanarkshire is covered by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Both of these sites will tell you where to find your nearest A&E department, GP practice, dentist, pharmacy, health centre and optician.

Both sites also have information about healthy eating, alcohol, smoking and sexual and mental health.

NHSInform has a website dedicated to veterans' health issues called Health rights for Veterans.

Prescriptions are currently free in Scotland.

Each NHS area has an Armed Forces and Veterans Champion to ensure no disadvantage in treatment is experienced as a result of service. If you are moving to a new area, you should be entitled to continuity of care and be transferred at an equivalent level on medical waiting lists.

GP registration forms ask about military service and you should complete this so that healthcare staff are aware priority treatment may be appropriate in certain circumstances. 

For more advice see RAF Families Federation or your NHS Armed Forces Champion.

War Pension scheme

This is a compensation scheme for veterans for any injury or illness which has been caused by or made worse by their service in Her Majesty's Armed Forces. Information on eligibility and how to make a claim is on the UK government website.

Your mental health

Veterans First Point Lanarkshire can provide support to any veterans living in Lanarkshire or registered with a Lanarkshire doctor. They offer psychological assessments and therapies for anyone living in Lanarkshire or registered with a Lanarkshire doctor. To access this you should be referred by your doctor or you should call the Samaritans on 116123, Breathing Space on 0800 838587, or NHS24 on 111.

Combat Stress provides specialist treatment and support for veterans from every service and conflict, focusing on those with complex mental health issues.

Alcohol issues

Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership - we are self-supporting through our own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organisation or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

To find a group/meeting in your area see the Alcoholics Anonymous website.

Older veterans

Unforgotten Forces is a group of organisations working together to deliver high quality and joined-up support that boosts the health and wellbeing of veterans in Scotland age 65 and older.