Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to tackle loneliness and social isolation among armed forces (a) personnel and (b) veterans.

For the serving community there are extensive welfare systems that offer support for those in need, including those experiencing loneliness and isolation, provided by the Chain of Command, welfare, pastoral, and medical staff. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) also works closely with the Office for Veterans' Affairs (OVA), National Health Service, and the Service charity sector. In 2021, the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust awarded 60 grants of £70,000 to various projects across the UK, under the Tackling Loneliness Programme. In total £4.2 million was provided to projects in traditionally harder to reach groups with the aim of helping beneficiaries to engage in their community, access services and build stronger networks with peers, support organizations and service providers.

For veterans, support is available via the MOD through Veterans UK, which provides free support for veterans and their families, including a helpline and the Veterans Welfare Service. It is important to recognise, however, that the welfare of veterans is a cross-Government responsibility, overseen by the OVA in the Cabinet Office, and statutory services for veterans are provided by the responsible Departments, Devolved Administrations, and Local Authorities as applicable, in common with the general population. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has primary responsibility for tackling loneliness and social isolation among the UK population.