Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will hold discussions with the Board of Combat Stress on its plans to end residential care for veterans at Audley Court, Newport, Shropshire.

Combat Stress’ contract with NHS England for the provision of places on a six week residential intensive programme for veterans living in England finishes on 31 March 2018. It is for Combat Stress to decide how they operate in the future. However, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) understands that Combat Stress has no plans to close Audley Court.

We encourage Service personnel and veterans wishing to seek help with mental health problems to visit: www.gov.uk/mental-health-support-for-the-uk-armed-forces. Veterans can also call the 24-hour veterans’ mental health helpline, provided by Combat Stress, on 0800 138 1619. Information and advice on services is available through the MOD’s Veterans UK or the Veterans Gateway.