Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Op Courage awareness campaign since its launch on 9 January 2024.

In January 2024, NHS England launched a national campaign to raise awareness of Op COURAGE, and encourage veterans struggling with their mental health to seek help from the service. The campaign, which runs until the end of March 2024, features veterans who have used Op COURAGE and includes a toolkit and a film featuring high-profile veteran JJ Chalmers. Phase two of the campaign activity includes increased social media, broadcasts, and regional press, particularly within areas of higher veteran populations.

The Government has not made any assessment of the effectiveness of the awareness campaign as Op COURAGE providers have shared anecdotal feedback that there has been a rise in referrals since the launch of this campaign.