Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what additional mental health support his Department plans to provide for armed forces personnel returning from Afghanistan.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to the Mental Health and Wellbeing of our Armed Forces personnel. All Armed Forces personnel are supported by dedicated medical services, including mental health support; this includes those who served in Afghanistan. The MOD works with the single Services, Defence Medical Services, the NHS, and other stakeholders to promote mental fitness, prevent ill-health, and reduce stigma. The MOD provides a 24-hour mental health helpline delivered by Combat Stress. Togetherall allows Armed Forces personnel access to its 24-hour staffed digital forum and the Samaritans provide crisis support to anyone struggling to cope with mental ill-health. The Veterans Gateway is available for those who want a choice over non-MOD assistance. The NHS is also available via their 111 helpline.