Sort this out! Forces need culture change

THIS is a real problem and you are right to draw attention to it. What is needed is a complete culture change so that it is accepted by all members of the Armed Forces that mental health issues/ illnesses are respected and understood in exactly the same way as physical illnesses or injuries. I think some progress has been made but more must be done. I think the chain of command has a role to play here too, in order to reassure people that if they have mental health issues which are reported and treated then it will not affect their careers. Peer group pressure should be turned around so that soldiers with mental health worries are encouraged by their mates to “go sick” and report them, rather than be teased or bullied for doing so.

History shows even the toughest of men, outwardly, might well be suffering terribly inside their heads.

One specific issue I am working on is the provision of a 24/7 helpline for serving personnel who need mental health advice or support. Currently the Department of Community Mental Health does not operate outside working hours.

Unacceptable

Those who need help outside working hours are advised to contact their nearest A&E or use the Combat Stress Helpline – this is completely unacceptable as far as I am concerned.

I have raised this in the Lords and in a meeting with Tobias Ellwood. No progress yet has been made.

The written response I had from the MoD was that it would cost another £2million to establish such a service that might be used by less than 50 people annually.

Again, I don’t accept that argument. Surely the lives of up to 50 people annually is worth spending £2million?