Help for ex-soldiers in prison

Stirling MP Stephen Kerr attended an event to learn about a charity helping working to rehabilitate exservice personnel who fall foul of the law.

Mr Kerr was a guest of Care After Combat which is currently only able to reach one in 10 veterans who have served a prison sentence.

It is estimated there are currently at least 3,500 former servicemen in prison.

According to Care after Combat this represents the largest single occupational group within prisons – and one of the most vulnerable.

Comedian Jim Davidson, chief executive of Care after Combat, said: “While we welcome the additional £10 million cash to the Armed Forces Covenant Fund to support mental health projects, we call on Government to recognise the specific requirements of this group and increase funding for veteran prisoner community transition services.”

Mr Kerr said: “We need to work on rehabilitation so that a prison sentence can be a step towards returning to everyday life. For veterans, many of whom are troubled with mental health problems, this is particularly acute.”