Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what welfare support his Department offers to Royal Navy submarine crews following long at-sea deployments.
The Royal Navy is aware of the pressure put on submariners and their families during periods of absence. Submariners are given extensive training prior to deployment to help prepare for life underwater. While at sea, they have access to a weekly short message from their nominated loved one and support from their divisional system, medical officer and in some cases a Chaplain.
When returning from deployment, submariners have access to Royal Navy (RN) Family and People Support services which offers a range of specialist tailored welfare services to Naval personnel and their families, including during times of illness, grief and loss, separation and relationship concerns. Advice and guidance can also be accessed via the online RN Forum. This includes information on the impact of the emotional cycle of deployment, including family reintegration post operation deployment.