New Projects Launched To Increase Mental Health Awareness

The Ministry of Defence is launching a series of new projects to improve awareness of mental health.

LIBOR funding worth £3.5 million is being used to support joint initiatives with charity Samaritans during Mental Health Awareness Week

It follows the launch earlier this year of a helpline making round-the-clock support available to members of the armed forces.

Personnel serving at home and abroad will be offered access to support using a confidential web chat service.

Information and emotional support will be published in pocket guides, designed for when people are in isolated locations, particularly on operations.

Volunteers from Samaritans will also be given training in how to address mental health issues in a military environment.

The Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

"We are absolutely committed to making sure that no one in our military suffers in silence."

Defence Miniter Tobias Ellwood said: "We are determined to change this and encourage a more open culture in talking about mental health.

"I want everyone in the military to adopt the mindset that mental wellbeing matters just as much as physical health."

Meanwhile, Prince Harry and the Duke of Cambridge have joined celebrities in recording a minute-long radio message to raise awareness over mental health issues.

Groom-to-be Harry and his older brother William feature in part of the broadcast which will be played simultaneously on hundreds of UK radio stations, including Forces Radio BFBS at 10.59am UK time on Tuesday.

Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from 14 - 20 May.