The transition, intervention and liaison service (known as TILS) is the single point of access for military veterans' mental health support across England.

The function of TILS is to give timely support and advice, and link veterans into the most appropriate service, as quickly as possible.

We (Pennine Care) run this service across the north west of England.

Our specialist team is overseen by a consultant clinical psychologist, and managed by a registered mental health nurse and highly specialist psychotherapist. The team consists of mental health nurses, social workers, and a dual-diagnosis nurse. A number of our staff are also veterans themselves.

Who we work with

We work with any British ex-services personnel who are experiencing any mental health difficulties.

If you are due to leave the armed forces, with a discharge date, within 6 months of referral, the TILS will work with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to offer you mental health support through your transition period and beyond.

Both serving personnel approaching discharge and ex-forces will have a specialist assessment within 14 days of the referral.

TILS provides a range of services

This includes:

  • Specialist triage and mental health assessments
  • Case management
  • Liaison with and referral to the most appropriate specialist services, such as the Military Veterans’ Service, complex treatment service, Veterans in Mind, for psychological therapeutic interventions related to Military trauma.

Help may also be provided with:

  • Housing
  • Employment
  • Alcohol misuse
  • Social support

Accessing the TILS service

You can call us directly on 0300 323 0707 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).

Self referrals

You, or a family member, can make a referral via our simple online referral form. (Please note this form is not for professionals making a referral).

Professionals making a referral

GPs, health and social care professionals should download and post or email our referral form. Click here for a copy.

Email: the.mvs@nhs.net

Update on TILS during covid

We are working hard to continue supporting you through these difficult and uncertain times. We are continuing to offer interventions and support via telephone and video.

We are finding that support over video is proving successful. Mark has shared this short video talking about how helpful he has found it:

Who we work with and other similar services

We work closely with a range of statutory services and with a range of national and local charities. This partnership working supports engagement and relapse prevention.

If you do not live in the North West of England, you can contact the TILS in your area:

North of England, call 0303 123 1145 or email vwals@nhs.net

Midlands and east of England: 0300 323 0137 or email mevs.mhm@nhs.net

South central and south west of England: 0300 365 0300 or email sc.veterans@nhs.net or awp.swveterans@nhs.net

London and south east: 020 3317 6818 or email cim-tr.veteranstilservice-LSE@nhs.net

Manchester and Lancashire based veteran support

For more information about other support in Manchester or Lancashire, please click the partnership working tab on our landing page.

Frequently asked questions

We have set up another page with frequently asked questions (FAQs) about our services, including:

  • Can I get priority treatment?
  • Can you give me a diagnosis?
  • Can you provide financial help?
  • Can I bring someone to my appointment?
  • Suspected war crimes?
  • Will you prescribe medication?
  • Can I take part in research?

Click here for our FAQs page.

Image: UK MOD © Crown copyright 2019