Recently, the ADVANCE Team attended the two-day NHS OpRESTORE Conference 2025: Lessons From the Front Line.
The conference began with an address from the Ukrainian Ambassador, who shared a powerful overview of the current state of the war and the importance of international collaboration during such unprecedented times. This provided valuable context for the discussions that followed, as well as a sobering yet vital reminder of the realities people face every day.
Our Ukrainian colleagues spoke of their experiences caring for those injured in the conflict, the lessons they’ve learned, the progress made, and the immense challenges they continue to face. Hearing their stories gave everyone in the room a lot to think about, especially around how countries like the UK might respond if faced with something similar.
For our team, the event was an invaluable opportunity to connect directly with Ukrainian surgeons, doctors, and representatives from organisations such as UK-Med, who are providing hands-on medical support. These conversations reinforced just how valuable the ADVANCE study’s decade of data and experience could be in helping improve trauma care and rehabilitation, not just here at home, but around the world.
What the ADVANCE Study Can Offer
Thanks to the incredible commitment of our participants, who have given their time and data so generously over the last 10 years, ADVANCE now holds a remarkable wealth of information about recovery, rehabilitation, and long-term health.
This information is already helping shape the understanding of long-term recovery and rehabilitation, and has the potential to guide medical teams in Ukraine, including those at the Superhumans hospitals, as they develop systems for caring for war-injured patients and
veterans.
The ADVANCE team has already started meeting with groups helping Ukraine set up a trauma registry, sharing insights and practical advice. The study was also presented at the conference itself, where it drew lots of interest from experts keen to learn from the ADVANCE approach and findings.
How This Can Shape Policy at Home
The impact of ADVANCE isn’t just overseas, it’s helping to shape thinking here in the UK too. Our study’s findings are already being used to inform discussions about how we support the long-term health and wellbeing of serving personnel and veterans, e.g. the recent Medical Discharge Short Report (2025) that highlighted challenges faced by our community, and made recommendations for those experiencing medical discharge.
By learning from our participants’ experiences, we can help improve care, strengthen services, and make sure the lessons from ADVANCE continue to drive positive change for years to come both internationally and at home.
Op Services: NHS Veteran Specific Support
Following the OpRESTORE conference, we are highlighting some of the NHS services tailored for veteran care and support available to our participant community.
Help for anyone who has previously served in or is leaving the UK armed forces and has injuries or related medical problems that are attributed to their time in the forces. It does not matter when the injury or medical problems occurred or how long ago you left the armed forces.
There are many things they can help with, including:
- ensuring you have access to the right care and support.
- making sure you are treated by people who understand the military and specialise in the type of physical injury and related medical problems you may have.
- Preparing a care plan that works for you.
Your GP must refer you.
Op COURAGE is an NHS mental health specialist service designed to help veterans and their families.
They can help you and your family with:
- transitioning into civilian life by providing mental health care with the Defence Medical Services
- help you to recognise early signs of mental health problems, treat advanced mental health conditions and psychological trauma
- support and treatment for substance misuse and addictions
They accept self and GP referrals.
A hotline for veterans experiencing homelessness
connecting them to a network of support, including housing providers, charities, and local authorities.
This service supports veterans by either helping them stay in their current accommodation or find new housing options.
Op Fortitude is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Contact Op Fortitude on: 0800 952 0774
Or via the referral form below:
Support for veterans who are in contact with the justice system, providing non-judgmental support programs that have helped over 5000 veterans since 2014.
All of these services understand that the problems they aim to help with often go hand in hand- they all work together closely to provide you with well-rounded support.
Since working with OpNova, 81% of veterans have said they experienced improved mental health and wellbeing. 73% said they had improved their relationships with their friends and family, and 79% stated they had improved their anger management.
