Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andy Slaughter and Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton

Monday 7th November 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mark Lancaster]

I welcome the hon. Gentleman to his post, and I encourage him to look at the last four covenant reports, which detail the progress we have made over the last four years. However, his point is well made, and it is precisely why, earlier this year, I commissioned the Forces in Minds Trust to do a review so that we can ensure that best practice from the various local authorities across the United Kingdom is shared.

[Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab)]

6. What recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health on the provision of mental health services for veterans.

--- Later in debate ---

[Andy Slaughter]

Part of the problem is that only about 50% of veterans who have mental health issues come forward with them because of culture, stigma, or whatever. What are the Government doing to reach out to those who do not seek treatment to ensure that they also do so?

[Mark Lancaster]

The hon. Gentleman makes a valuable point. The problem is not specific to veterans; for some time, we have had problems in society whereby mental health has been a stigma and people are reluctant to come forward. We are working closely with the Department of Health, because ultimately this is its responsibility, but we also have a number of programmes within the Ministry of Defence, not least the veterans and reserves mental health programme, which ensures that veterans are contacted one year after they leave the service to be encouraged to seek support if they need it.