Charity's concern over suicide rate in Armed Forces and among veteran community

There is a call for more support for serving military personnel and veterans, as the Ministry of Defence revealed the latest suicide rate among those serving in the military.

R;pple Suicide Prevention said there was "an alarming prevalence" of mental health issues among the UK's forces and veteran population.

This comes as the MOD released the latest figures for suicide among the UK regular Armed Forces covering the last 20 years, from 2005 to 2024.

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They show that 281 personnel took their own lives between 2005 and 2024, with seven confirmed suicides taking place last year and a further 24 deaths awaiting inquest verdicts.

The statistics also show the highest rate was among males in the Army aged 24 or under, and men in the Royal Navy and RAF aged 40 to 44.

The MOD report said the number of male suicides had increased since 2017, but the rate among those in the Armed Forces is still lower than for men in the UK general population.

R;pple wants to see increased provision for mental health care among the Armed Forces community, and said 253 veterans died by suicide in England and Wales in 2021.

The charity pointed to the challenges of transitioning to civilian life and mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety, and depression putting people at greater risk.

'More must be done'

Ross Abbott of R;pple – who also served in the British Army – said: "The data reveals the alarming prevalence of mental health struggles and suicide within the UK Armed Forces and veteran communities, highlighting the urgent need for greater support and preventative measures. 

"More must be done to protect those in active service and provide comprehensive support during the challenging transition to civilian life.

"I believe it's crucial for people to have access to immediate and discreet mental health support, especially when they're most vulnerable."

If you or someone you know needs support at this time, find help available on our website.