All troops issued with 24-hour helpline card
ALL British troops are being issued with pocket-size cards carrying the telephone number of the dedicated round-the-clock helpline for those suffering battlefield stress.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson last week unveiled an oversized version of the card in another victory for The Mail on Sunday’s Helpline For Heroes campaign.
The card – which carries the Military Mental Health Helpline number 0800 323 4444 – is part of the extra £20million pledged over the next ten years to fund mental health initiatives.
The helpline, operated by mental health charity Combat Stress and funded by the Ministry of Defence, has already received more than 300 calls in its first month.
The Mail on Sunday launched its campaign in January with the former head of the British Army, Lord Dannatt, after the death of Royal Engineer Nathan Hunt. The 39-year-old had served in a desert reconnaissance unit with Prince Harry in Afghanistan, and won a gallantry award for identifying Taliban roadside bombs. But his extremely dangerous role played havoc with his mental health and he suffered from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He hanged himself on New Year’s Day. Last night, Nathan’s father Derek said: ‘It sounds like a very good idea. Anything that can draw attention to people who are suffering from PTSD and bring this out into the open has to be a good thing.’ Mr Williamson said: ‘Our Armed Forces work tirelessly to protect our country and I’m committed to making sure they have all the support they need. The helpline card will be an easy-to-carry reminder for our brave men and women that support is always available.’