Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Veterans Charities: Covid-19 Support

Monday 2 November 2020 · 7 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 6 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government provided 6 million in funding for the armed forces community through the covid impact fund.
  • Steps include blending statutory and state provision with third-sector support for veterans' mental health.
  • Third-sector companies such as Forward Assist can bid into programmes to address increased demands on veterans' mental health services.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Gerald Jones Lab Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
NHS Veterans
Context

The Government has been providing support to the charity sector in response to the ongoing crisis. The MOD and Office for Veterans' Affairs have played a leading role, with £6 million provided through the armed forces community.

Question

What support his Department is providing to veterans' charities during the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

The Government have been proactive in providing support to the charity sector in response to the covid-19 pandemic. The MOD and the Office for Veterans' Affairs have played a leading role by providing £6 million in funding for the armed forces community through the covid impact fund.

Answered
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Q2 Cat Smith Lab Lancaster and Wyre
Mental Health Veterans
Context

The Office for National Statistics reported in June that almost one in five adults were likely to experience depression during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a spike in demand for services by service and veterans' charities.

Question

In June, the ONS reported that nearly 20% of UK adults experienced mental health issues due to the pandemic. Can you detail what steps are being taken to support veterans, serving personnel, and their families?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

We have worked hard to go down the pathway of blending the statutory and state provision with our third sector. We are a lot better than we used to be and I am confident that we will be the best country in which to be an armed forces veteran.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The PM acknowledged challenges but did not provide specific steps or initiatives addressing mental health support.

How: We Are A Lot Better Than We Used To Be

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Q3 Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Mental Health Veterans
Context

Forward Assist, a programme aiding in the transition of military personnel to civilian life, saw referrals quadruple with increased demand for mental health support due to moving online. It requires additional funding and resources.

Question

Given that Forward Assist has seen an increase in demands and needs more digital infrastructure and mental health professionals, will the Minister provide such necessary funding?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

More money is going into veterans' mental health than ever before through various services. We are always happy to look at doing more, but I am confident of the current efforts in place to support veterans.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister acknowledged existing resources without confirming additional funding or digital infrastructure improvements.

How: We Are A Lot Better Than We Used To Be

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Q4 Kim Johnson Lab Liverpool Riverside
NHS Veterans
Context

The local charity has seen significant demand increases and resource limitations, especially concerning mental health services. It requires additional funding.

Question

With increased demands on services from Liverpool Veterans HQ, can you explain how this shortfall will be addressed?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

By using transition liaison service, complex treatment service and high intensity service. Third-sector companies such as Forward Assist can bid into these programmes to support veterans' mental health needs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister outlined existing frameworks but did not provide specifics on addressing the current shortfall in Liverpool Veterans headquarters.

How: Using Transition Liaison Service, Complex Treatment Service And High Intensity Service

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Q5 Kate Osborne Lab Jarrow and Gateshead East
Veterans
Context

Suicide among military veterans is a serious concern. The MP seeks clarity on the Department's study investigating causes of death among military personnel from operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Question

Will the Minister outline the scope of his Department's study on the cause of death for military personnel deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, and when will it be published?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

We are looking at a cohort study of 20,000 people who went through Iraq and Afghanistan. We also look into each individual who takes their own life and study the 12 months prior to that incident. I hope we will do our best in fighting veteran suicide.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister discussed ongoing studies but did not provide a clear publication date or specific details about the scope.

How: We Are Looking At Each Individual Who Takes Their Own Life

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Q6 Gerald Jones Lab Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Employment Veterans
Context

Job losses at Help for Heroes due to reduced funding highlight financial pressures faced by such organisations. The MP seeks further government support as demand remains high.

Question

Given job cuts and recovery centre closures, what additional support will be given to service welfare charities in the coming months?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

I spend every day fighting to get more money into the sector. The veterans care sector is changing, with a decrease in giving as operations fade, yet demand continues to rise. We are meeting this through new programmes, but always more can be done.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister stated ongoing efforts without specifying additional support measures for the coming months.

How: I Spend Every Day Fighting To Get More Money

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Q7 Sharon Hodgson Lab Washington and Gateshead South
Defence Veterans
Context

Cobseo reported that one in ten armed forces charities will close within the next twelve months due to coronavirus pressures, with a second lockdown imminent.

Question

At the previous Defence questions, the Minister said: “For too long we have over-relied on the third sector” when it comes to veterans' care. Cobseo reported that one in ten armed forces charities will close within the next twelve months due to coronavirus pressures. The pressures will only intensify with a second lockdown imminent. What urgent action will the Minister take to ensure no gaps in charity provision and vital support arise over the next four weeks?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

A rationalisation and professionalism is currently going on in the veterans' care charity sector, but we are working hard to bring together seamlessly the panoply of care, whether it is in the third sector or statutory provision. There are financial challenges, but I am confident that we can meet them and that this country will be the best place in the world to be an armed forces veteran.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Urgent action over next four weeks was not specified.

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