A specialist service providing coordinated, credible and accessible support for veterans came into sharp focus – as Mel Gibson’s new World War II film Hacksaw Ridge screened in Lanarkshire.

Veterans First Point (V1P) Lanarkshire seeks to provide support to veterans in all aspects of their lives, including welfare, housing, mental and physical wellbeing.

V1P is staffed by a specialist team of psychologists, psychological therapists and veteran peer support workers (PSWs).  The service’s information stand and team members were present ahead of the film’s first showing at Vue Cinema in Hamilton.

Hacksaw Ridge tells the extraordinary true story of conscientious objector Desmond T. Doss, who refused to bear arms but won the Medal of Honor after heroically saving over 70 soldiers as a medic in Okinawa.

Dr Nicola Cogan, consultant clinical psychologist of NHS Lanarkshire and V1P, explained: “We are engaging people at the heart of communities and our aim is to raise awareness of our service so we can reach veterans and their families.”

There are many ways to get in contact. V1P will accept self-referrals or referrals from other agencies (statutory and voluntary sector). For more information visit: http://veteransfirstpoint.org.uk/drop-center/lanarkshire. Phone 0300 303 3051 or email: LanarkshireV1P@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk.