Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Pathway – National Framework

10. Key Outcomes

The forthcoming national Pathway aims to harness the existing mental health and wellbeing support available to veterans across Scotland through a co-ordinated, inclusive, and evidence-based approach.

It aims to empower veterans with the right skills and tools to help them live the life they choose.

By strengthening collaboration between statutory and third sector organisations, it will ensure that veterans receive timely, appropriate, and locally delivered care.

“Collaboration is a massive gap in joining the services together. I’ve only been out for a year but it’s difficult.” - Veteran, Focus Group as cited in the Scottish Veterans Care Network Action Plan 2021

Key outcomes of the Pathway will include:

• Whole-systems collaboration: establishing robust partnerships across all regions of Scotland to unify statutory and third sector efforts, fostering a seamless support network for veterans.
• Central digital hub: developing a national online platform that serves as a single point of access and resources for veteran-specific mental health services. This hub will streamline referrals, provide comprehensive information on local and national resources, and empower veterans and stakeholders with clear guidance.
• Effective referral pathways: implementing a structured referral system that ensures veterans are matched with the most suitable support within their communities, enhancing accessibility and continuity of care.
• Stepped and matched care model: promoting mental wellbeing through a tailored approach that delivers the right help from the right service at the right time, based on individual needs.
• Support during waiting periods: introducing mechanisms to help veterans “wait well,” offering interim support, information, and engagement while awaiting further assessment or treatment.
• Data-driven development: collecting and analysing data on veterans’ needs to inform service design, monitor effectiveness, and guide future improvements in the national approach.
• Evidence-based local services: ensuring access to high-quality, veteran-specific services that are grounded in evidence and delivered as close to home as possible.
• Digitally supported interventions: ensuring evidence-based digital treatments and delivery methods are used where appropriate to provide ease of access for veterans to get support.
• Evaluation and continuous improvement: assessing the impact of prevention and support strategies to refine service delivery and optimise outcomes for veterans.
• Integrated service provision: promoting alignment and integration between statutory and third sector services to create a cohesive and responsive support system.