Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to support the armed forces bereaved community.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) recognises the extraordinary commitment and sacrifices that Service families make to our country and, in particular, of those who are bereaved. We take a holistic multi-agency approach to supporting the bereaved community with UK wide support in place through the single Services, the Defence Bereaved Families Group (DBFG) and Veterans Services.

Defence provides clear signposting to the support and resources available to the Armed Forces bereaved community, offering access to timely and appropriate support. We recognise that the emotional and practical impact of bereavement is often complex and shared by many, therefore our guidance has been compiled as a resource for the wider family, friends and colleagues, and is provided to the bereaved after any in-Service death.

Immediately following the death of a Service person, a trained Visiting Officer is appointed to act as the Armed Forces’ focal point in offering practical assistance and advice to the family. Specialist statutory support is also provided by Veterans Services through the provision of a Case Manager, who provides financial information and practical support. A Chaplain is available to offer pastoral care, spiritual guidance, and practical advice if requested.

The DBFG was formed to ensure two-way communication on matters of bereavement between the MOD and the bereaved cohort. It is co-chaired by a military representative from within Defence and a ‘lived experience’ representative of one of the single Service Widows Associations. The DBFG facilitates the opportunity to shape policy to ensure those who suffer such loss are treated fairly and with due consideration.

Furthermore, I can confirm that the bereaved are included in the Armed Forces Covenant, our promise that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, including the bereaved should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve.