At the Trust, we recognise the sacrifice that you as UK service men and women have made and we are working hard to establish the support and treatment you deserve. 

We are fully committed to our obligations under the Armed Forces Covenant and we offer specialist treatment for trauma as well as common mental health issues.  We have established links with local and national military charities to raise awareness and improve communication, coordination and understanding of the particular challenges that you and your families can encounter as ex-service personnel. In addition, we work closely with the Armed Forces Community Covenants in Suffolk and Norfolk.​

What is the Veteran's Stabilisation Programme (VSP)?

The VSP aims to provide veterans with the discipline and skills to better manage life, day-to-day.

This cognitive based therapy (CBT) group has been developed by a veteran, a clinical psychologist and a mindfulness practitioner/trainer.

What are the aims of the group?

The group will explore different options, help you find new ways forward and help you to

• Identify, acknowledge and change your mindset
• Understand the psychology of combat-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Learn new psychological skills and discipline that can help

You will also benefit from the support of others who have had similar experiences.

What is covered in the group sessions?

The sessions will explore the psychological mechanics of PTSD, helping you develop a greater sense of control and stability in your life. They also aim to:

• Help the management and understanding of difficult thoughts, issues, feelings and memories
• Reduce the use of unhelpful coping mechanisms such as alcohol and drugs
• Improve relationships
• Teach the discipline and tools of mindfulness.

What commitment is required?

The groups will be made up of six to eight people. They are held for two hours, once a week, for 16 weeks. Anyone involved in a significant relationship with you can also attend the initial session.

How can I be referred?

You can self-refer direct or via the Wellbeing service, or be referred by a health or social care professional. Contact details are below.  

What is expected of me?

You must be available to attend the full course and be willing to 'give it a try' and practice techniques at home. You will also be asked to:

• Treat all members with respect
• Be open and non-judgmental
• Maintain confidentiality
• Arrive on time

Veterans’ Response Partnership

The Veterans’ Response Partnership takes expert help and peer support directly to veterans across Norfolk and Waveney who are facing a mental health crisis.

It sees experienced volunteers offer out-of-hours help to veterans with mental health problems. Wherever necessary, a special response car will visit the veteran, who will be offered peer support and assessment by a specialist team from Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT), as well as help accessing other services.

The overall aim of the partnership is to keep people out of police cells and get them any further support they may need, such as help with housing or employment issues or alcohol or drug problems.

How does it work?
Veterans can register with the scheme and call the service directly if they need support between 9pm and 8am.

How to register
If you are a veteran who is already working with a forces charity, they will be able to refer you to the service.
If you are not currently receiving support, you can call or text the Walnut Tree Project on 07494 799023 and ask to be registered with the Veterans’ Response Partnership.
For more information, please refer to the NSFT Veterans Response Partnership leaflet. 

Click the portraits below for more information.

Luke Woodley	Roger Kingerlee

Contact us

For further information contact:

Dr Roger Kingerlee
Clinical Psychologist

or

John King, Mindfulness Practitioner
and Course Facilitator

at:

Gateway House Unit 1
Gateway 11 Business Park
Wymondham
Norfolk NR18 0WF

T: 01953 611000

The Walnut Tree Project
Costessey, Nr Norwich

M: 07494 799023
E: walnuttreeproject@gmail.com
Facebook: walnuttreeproject

Wellbeing Service Norfolk
and Waveney

www.wellbeingnandw.co.uk
T: 0300 123 1503