The Welsh government has announced more funding to support veterans experiencing mental health difficulties. Chris Franks AM raised the issue in the Senedd during business questions.
The pilot project has been trialled in Cardiff and Vale University Local Health Board and Cwm Taf Local Health Board areas. The new all Wales service will be fully funded by the Welsh government with investment of £485,000 per year.
The money will ensure that servicemen and women get access to clinicians with expertise in veteran’s mental health, who will assess veteran’s needs and provide suitable treatment.
Chris Franks AM raised the issue in the Senedd during business questions.
Plaid Cymru AM Chris Franks said: “I welcome the news that the pilot project to support those who have served in the armed forces and have experienced mental health difficulties is to be extended. Plaid MPs in Westminster have shown that there is still a long way to go, particularly on the integration of services for veterans provided by the Ministry of Defence and the voluntary sector. I am also calling for the Welsh Government to discuss with Ministers in London the important issue of support for those who have served in the armed forces. We should also consider those in the Territorial Army who serve as doctors and nurses in conflict zones.”
All war veterans in Wales are entitled to priority NHS treatment for a health condition related to their military service.
Plaid’s ‘Support for Veterans’ policy document has called for a separate strategic review of money spent on personnel leaving the forces. The paper also outlines current areas of deficiency such as the lack of welfare support available and rising numbers of veterans ending up in prison or with drug and alcohol problems.
Following on from the spiralling cost of military procurement and the government’s inability to keep within its budget, especially over the war in Afghanistan, Plaid is campaigning for priority to be given to veteran welfare.
