Oral Answers to Questions

Bill Grant Excerpts

Monday 26th November 2018 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Williamson]

We expect up to 1,350 Commonwealth citizens to join our armed forces next year.

[Bill Grant (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) (Con)]

2. What steps his Department is taking to provide mental health support to members of the armed forces.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Tobias Ellwood)]

One third of us will be affected by a mental health condition or problem during our lifetime, and that applies also to those serving in the armed forces. The Prime Minister is very conscious of the issue and wants to remove the disparity between physical and mental health. It is why in 2017 we launched the mental health and wellbeing strategy, which is reaping dividends in removing the stigma attached to mental health issues.

[Bill Grant]

Will my right hon. Friend join me in commending the good work done by Combat Stress at its Hollybush House facility in my constituency? Will he consider what further assistance can be given to such organisations in providing mental health support to current and former members of the armed forces?

[Mr Ellwood]

Combat Stress came about after the first world war, from which people were returning with conditions that we did not understand then. Today, 100 years later, Combat Stress continues to provide vital support, working with our armed forces to ensure that we provide the support necessary for those affected by such conditions, and I pay tribute to the work it has done. I recognise, however, that occasionally people do not get the treatment they are due. We are ensuring that all those who need it, no matter the circumstances, receive the support they deserve.