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Funding for armed forces mental health services upped to £220m

Published on: 27 Feb 2018

Defence secretary Gavin Williamson has pledged to increase funding for armed forces mental health services to £220 million over the next decade.

A new 24/7 ‘Military Mental Health Helpline’ has also been launched as the government seeks to support mental fitness across the services. The new number - 0800 323 4444 - is open now and ready to take calls.

The armed forces mental health services will be boosted by an extra £2 million a year.

Explaining why the new helpline had been introduced, Mr Williamson said: “Mental illnesses caused by life on the battlefield can have a devastating impact on our brave heroes and their families. It is our moral and professional duty to ensure that we do all we can for our world class troops.”

The defence boss added that he will be personally working with all the service chiefs to ensure every person in the forces knows there is always someone to speak to in times of trouble.

Leading veterans mental health charity Combat Stress has been commissioned to run the new helpline service, which will be backed up by a deeper partnership between the Ministry of Defence and the charity.