Mental health of Armed Forces set to benefit from new Prince Harry initiative

A new initiative to improve the mental health of current and former Armed Forces personnel has been launched jointly by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.

It is hoped that the scheme will build on the MOD’s recently launched mental health and wellbeing strategy, which outlines how the department will improve the mental health of its serving military and civilian personnel, their families and veterans.

The Royal Foundation will provide advice and resources to the MOD to improve training, education and information sharing for the entire Armed Forces.

This will include annual briefings, websites and specialist support to raise awareness of the importance of good mental health.

Rates of mental disorder are slightly lower in the Armed Forces than in the general population (3.2 per cent compared to 3.5). Regardless, improving the mental health of the MOD’s entire workforce remains a key priority.

Defence secretary Sir Michael Fallon, who announced the partnership, said: “By looking after our mental health, we are building a more effective armed forces that helps keep this country safe.

“Our soldiers, sailors and airmen are the best in the world but we will only maintain that if we are as serious about improving mental health as we are our combat skills and cutting-edge technology.”