Remembrance Day 2026: Supporting Veterans' Mental Health in Greater Manchester and Beyond
11 November 2026 | Prior Mindset | Mental Health and Wellbeing
Every November, communities across the United Kingdom come together to remember the courage, service and sacrifice of those who have served in our Armed Forces.
Today, on Remembrance Day, I want to recognise not only those who lost their lives in conflict but also the veterans, serving personnel and military families who continue to be part of our communities. This is important to me.
As the Founder and Director of Prior Mindset, I have the privilege of supporting veterans and former Armed Forces personnel through my professional work.
Remembrance Day also holds personal significance for me.
I am fortunate to have close friends and colleagues who have served, or continue to serve, in the Armed Forces. Their experiences have given me a deeper appreciation of the commitment, sacrifices and challenges that can come with military life, including the transition into civilian life.
For me, Remembrance Day is not simply about honouring those who served in the past. It is also about recognising the people who serve today, supporting veterans and acknowledging the families who stand alongside them.
Remembrance is about honouring the past. It is also an opportunity to consider how we support people in the present.
Remembrance Day 2026: Manchester Comes Together
On Sunday 8 November 2026, veterans, serving personnel, cadets and members of the public gathered at Manchester's Cenotaph in St Peter's Square for the city's annual Remembrance Sunday service.
The commemorations included a parade, wreath-laying and a two-minute silence.
Across Manchester, local communities have also organised remembrance activities, bringing together people of different generations and backgrounds.
This year, remembrance has coincided with renewed attention to veterans' wellbeing.
Recent local reporting has highlighted proposals to strengthen support for veterans across Greater Manchester, including access to housing, mental health services and practical advice.
These developments are important because supporting veterans involves more than recognising their military service. It also means ensuring that appropriate help is available when circumstances change.
Veterans' Mental Health: Understanding the Challenges
Leaving the Armed Forces can involve significant changes.
Military life often provides structure, routine, shared identity and a strong sense of belonging. Transitioning into civilian life may involve adjusting to different working environments, relationships and expectations.
For some veterans, this transition is positive and straightforward. Others may experience difficulties with:
Anxiety, stress or persistent worry.
Depression, low mood or loss of motivation.
Sleep difficulties and changes in routine.
Anger, frustration or emotional regulation.
Relationships, family life and communication.
Identity, confidence and adjusting to civilian employment.
Trauma-related difficulties, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Importantly, being a veteran does not mean someone has experienced trauma or developed a mental health condition.
Many former service personnel adapt successfully to civilian life and bring valuable skills, experience and resilience to their communities.
However, those who do experience psychological difficulties deserve timely, compassionate and appropriate support.
How Can CBT Support Veterans' Mental Health?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based psychological treatment that explores relationships between thoughts, emotions, physical responses and behaviours.
Depending on someone's individual needs, CBT may help with anxiety, depression, unhelpful thinking patterns, avoidance and difficulties managing everyday stress.
For example, therapy may explore how changes in routine or employment affect confidence, how worry influences sleep, or how avoiding difficult situations can maintain anxiety.
Treatment should always be based on an individual assessment rather than assumptions about someone's military background.
For veterans experiencing PTSD, NICE recommends specific trauma-focused psychological treatments, including trauma-focused CBT.
General CBT for anxiety or depression is not automatically equivalent to specialist trauma-focused PTSD treatment.
This distinction matters because people should receive interventions that are appropriate to their presenting difficulties and clinical needs.
Supporting Veterans at Prior Mindset
At Prior Mindset, I recognise that veterans are individuals first.
Some may want support with anxiety, low mood, stress or relationships. Others may be navigating employment changes, family responsibilities or the transition from military to civilian life.
My approach is collaborative, respectful and informed by each person's experiences, strengths and goals.
I offer psychological therapy and CBT-informed support, with treatment suitability established through an initial assessment.
Where someone requires specialist military trauma treatment, complex PTSD services or additional multidisciplinary support, I recognise the importance of appropriate referral and collaboration with specialist services.
Seeking psychological support is not a sign of weakness. It is an opportunity to understand difficulties and identify meaningful ways forward.
Prior Mindset is based in Greater Manchester and offers online psychological support across the UK, subject to individual assessment and service suitability.
Where Can Veterans Find Mental Health Support?
There are several organisations providing valuable support to veterans, serving personnel and their families.
NHS Op COURAGE
Op COURAGE is the NHS specialist mental health and wellbeing service for veterans in England.
It supports eligible veterans experiencing mental health difficulties and can help them access appropriate psychological treatment and wider support.
Veterans can contact the service directly without needing to wait for a GP referral.
North of England: 0300 373 3332
Pennine Care Military Veterans' Service
For people living in Greater Manchester and Lancashire, Pennine Care's Military Veterans' Service provides specialist psychological support for eligible veterans.
Telephone: 0300 323 0707
Combat Stress
Combat Stress is a specialist veterans' mental health charity supporting former service personnel experiencing difficulties associated with military service.
Veterans' mental health helpline: 0800 138 1619
ANDYSMANCLUB
ANDYSMANCLUB offers free, peer-led mental health support groups for men aged 18 and over.
Although not specifically a veterans' organisation, its groups may provide valuable opportunities for male veterans to connect with others.
Meetings generally take place on Mondays at 7 pm, excluding bank holidays.
Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion supports serving and former Armed Forces personnel and their families through practical advice, welfare assistance and community support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can veterans access private CBT therapy?
Yes. Veterans can access private psychological therapy, including CBT, where the treatment is appropriate for their needs.
An initial assessment should establish whether general psychological therapy or a specialist veterans' mental health service is most suitable.
Does every veteran experience PTSD?
No. PTSD is not an inevitable consequence of military service.
Veterans may experience a wide range of psychological difficulties, and many do not develop a mental health condition.
Can veterans refer themselves to NHS mental health services?
Yes. Eligible veterans in England can contact NHS Op COURAGE directly.
Does Prior Mindset support veterans in Greater Manchester?
Yes. Prior Mindset supports veterans and former Armed Forces personnel experiencing a range of psychological and emotional difficulties.
Online appointments may also be available to people elsewhere in the UK, depending on individual circumstances and clinical suitability.
Remembering Those Who Served, Supporting Those Still With Us
Remembrance Day is an opportunity to reflect on sacrifice, courage and the importance of community.
It is also a reminder that support should not end when someone leaves military service.
To every veteran, serving member of the Armed Forces and military family: I and Prior Mindset thank you for your service and the contributions you continue to make.
For those experiencing psychological difficulties, appropriate support is available.
At Prior Mindset, I remain committed to helping people access compassionate, evidence-based psychological support and to recognising when specialist services are needed.
Because remembering those who served should also encourage us to support those who are still with us.
Contact Prior Mindset
For information about psychological therapy, CBT or support for veterans and their families, visit:
Prior Mindset: www.priormindset.com
Email: info.priormindset@gmail.com
You can also explore the Prior Mindset Free Resources section for further information about mental health and wellbeing.
Important Crisis Information
Prior Mindset is not an emergency or crisis service.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or attend your nearest A&E department.
For urgent mental health support in England, contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option.
You can also contact Samaritans free on 116 123, 24 hours a day.
Veterans requiring specialist mental health support can contact NHS Op COURAGE.
I am HERE, when you need me.
Warm wishes,
Jerri Prior
Founder and Director, Prior Mindset
BABCP Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist
Registered Social Worker
NHS People's Star Award for Outstanding Patient Care
Prestige Awards 2026 Winner: Neurodiverse Mental Health Clinic of the Year (Greater Manchester)
References
The following sources support the blog's clinical information, local news and signposting.
Clinical guidance
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2018). Post-traumatic stress disorder (NICE guideline NG116). NICE guidance
NHS England. (n.d.). Mental health support for veterans, service leavers and reservists. NHS guidance
Local news
Manchester City Council. (2026, November 5). Communities invited to join Manchester's Remembrance and Armistice events. Manchester City Council
ITV News Granada. (2026, November 8). North West falls silent on Remembrance Sunday. ITV Granada
About Manchester. (2026, November 7). Mayor pledges support for veterans. About Manchester
Veterans' services
Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust. (n.d.). Military veterans' services. Pennine Care
ANDYSMANCLUB. (n.d.). It's okay to talk. ANDYSMANCLUB
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