The Scandal Of Neglected Military Veterans

More than 60,000 armed forces veterans in the UK are either homeless, are suffering mental health problems, or are in prison, research has revealed.

The scale of their struggle to adjust to civilian life brought accusations that ministers were failing men and women who had risked their lives for their country. According to the analysis, some 50,000 are coping with mental health conditions, 10,000 are in prison, on parole or on probation and 6,000 have no permanent address, reports I News.

Plaid Cymru, which compiled the figures through parliamentary questions, academic research and military charities, said the actual figures were likely to be far higher. Liz Saville Roberts, its justice spokeswoman, said the party had been campaigning for better care for veterans for a decade. “Our research shows that the problem is still rife, and the Government needs to start taking its duty of care seriously,” she said. These veterans were willing to put their lives on the line for their country. That country must take responsibility for their welfare on return.”

Welfare issue Ministers have disclosed that more than 25,000 veterans received mental health treatment in 2016-17, but the Mental Health Foundation says only half ask for help, implying there are 50,000 former military personnel with mental health issues. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said 3% of people admitted to prison have a services background, which suggests that around 9,600 are in the criminal justice system at any one time. But Napo, the probation union, has claimed the proportion is closer to 8%.

A government spokeswoman said: “We are committed to supporting those who struggle.” She said the MoD last year introduced a 24-hour helpline for former service personnel who need help with health, housing and money problems. The Government was spending £1.2bn over the next two years on tackling homelessness, while veterans were given high priority access to social housing. The British Legion has estimated that there are currently about 6,000 homeless veterans in the UK.

Our wonderful colleagues over at Excel Housing have five units of shared accommodation for veterans across Liverpool and Sefton. They also work closely with Liverpool Veterans HQ who provide specialist support to veterans. To find out more, visit Housing Solutions.