Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to improve access to mental health services for (a) service personnel and (b) veterans.

Defence Medical Services (DMS) has established Defence Mental Health Networks (DMHNs) across the UK to improve access to mental health services for Service personnel. These specialist community mental health services provide enhanced access to expert assessment and treatment for service personnel experiencing mental health disorders. By introducing new single points of access, enabling the sharing of specialist skills across network locations, and consolidating clinical and governance processes, DMHNs are reducing wait times to enhanced assessments and core treatment therapies.

DMS has further introduced standardised training for primary care clinicians incorporating emerging digital interventions to ensure that service personnel can access initial mental healthcare at any Defence medical centre.

Op COURAGE, the Veterans’ Mental Health, and Wellbeing Service, provides an integrated mental health care pathway for veterans in England, with similar services in other parts of the UK.

Earlier this year, we announced VALOUR, a new commitment to establish the first-ever UK-wide approach to veteran support, which will ensure easier access to essential care and support for veterans across the country.