Milton Keynes City Council helps veteran with PTSD and family adjust to civilian life

April 26, 2024

Following discharge from Service, a veteran with PTSD and his family experienced challenges settling into civilian life.

What was the situation?

Following a veteran’s discharge from the Armed Forces, he, his wife, and their three children found it difficult to settle into civilian life. The veteran had Service-related complex PTSD, which was made worse by anti-social behaviour from neighbours. This led to increased isolation and distress. The family decided to relocate to Milton Keynes for extra support from extended family. However, they had not yet secured housing, or school places for their children.

The family contacted Veterans UK – which is part of the Ministry of Defence – and discussed their situation. Veterans UK referred the family to Milton Keynes City Council’s Armed Forces Covenant Support Officer.

What was done to help?

The council’s housing team considered the needs of the veteran, such as his Service-related mental health challenges. The housing allocations team and the Covenant Support Officer worked together to identify and allocate a suitable property in a quiet area. Within a few weeks, a new-build council house in a quiet village was identified. The family had the chance to view this. After their initial visit, the family knew it was the right place for them.

The Covenant Support Officer also arranged for the veteran’s Op Courage support to be transferred to their new area. The children were also allocated new school placements. However, one was too far, and the child could not settle, so a closer school was identified after the Covenant Support Officer worked with the council’s education department. A new school place was allocated, and the Royal British Legion helped with the cost of a new school uniform.

What made this special provision?

This veteran is among those sacrificing the most, having developed complex PTSD through his Service in the Armed Forces. His sacrifice made it appropriate for the council to consider special provision for this family.

The council’s support counted as special provision, as, to recognise his sacrifice, the family received a higher level of support than civilians in similar circumstances. This resulted in easier access to suitable housing, and additional support to secure appropriate local school places.

What was the outcome?

The family successfully settled into their new home and local area. The children were placed into suitable local schools. The veteran became able to focus on his mental wellbeing. The family were able to get involved with their local Armed Forces community, also improving their wellbeing.

The veteran’s wife said:

“It is extremely hard being a full-time carer for my husband and finding myself vulnerable and unable to be the strong mum/wife I am. To have a network of amazing people who understand that our situation may be slightly different due to my husband’s previous military career is a medication in itself.”

Wider information

You can read more widely about:

• Covenant disadvantage and special provision (the two types of case study in this database)
• Covenant support for the Armed Forces community: Housing
• Covenant support for the Armed Forces community: Education
• How local authorities can support the Armed Forces community and implement the Covenant

Disclaimer: This case study is part of the Covenant case study database. The database has been developed to illustrate examples of good practice for organisations in scope of the Covenant. It is intended to act as a guide for good delivery, providing practical insight into how fairness for the Armed Forces community can be achieved. Delivery of the Covenant may vary across the UK. This means there is no guarantee the solution outlined in this case study is available in your area.