Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of mental health services available for Armed Forces across the UK; and whether they plan to make further changes.

All Service personnel have access to mental health support throughout their career, including medical and non-medical services. This includes, but is not limited to, preventative support such as wellbeing services, digital content, access to trained mental health first aiders, interventional support, and appointments with clinical staff.

For Armed Forces personnel requiring mental healthcare, the Defence Medical Services (DMS) provides a responsive, flexible, accessible, and comprehensive treatment service. This is available in the UK and overseas firm base (non-deployed, permanent locations) and on operations as required. The Defence Mental Health Service (DMHS) supports the provision of mental healthcare that is available through Primary Care facilities and is configured to provide community-based mental health care in line with national best practice.

Work is ongoing within DMS to reshape mental health provision to reduce waiting lists and support patients by providing fully integrated, safe, effective, and efficient mental healthcare.