Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what support his Department provides for junior soldiers at AFC Harrogate with mental health problems.

Army Foundation College (AFC) Harrogate training staff provide the first line level of support to Junior Soldiers experiencing mental health problems. They are specifically trained for their appointment to pro-actively identify recruits who may be struggling and/or experiencing problems with adapting to military life. Mental resilience training is also provided to all Junior Soldiers in the early stages of the course covering areas such as coping mechanisms, decision making and effective communication. This is reinforced through training activities including in Leadership and Initiative training, Adventurous Training and field exercises.

AFC Harrogate has a well-resourced medical and welfare department. This includes a civilian Behavioural Development Officer, who is an expert in cognitive behavioural studies and counselling, specialising in the military environment. This officer provides advice and guidance to staff on how best to manage referred Junior Soldiers. There are also military and civilian medical and welfare staff, two Padres and access to representatives from the Army Welfare Service (who also draw on support from wider public sector and charity support services).

In addition, in February 2018, the Secretary of State announced a new MOD-funded 24/7 Military Mental Health Helpline to provide support and advice to all serving personnel and their families.