MOD launches Defence People Mental Health and Well-being Strategy

An innovative strategy to improve the mental health and well-being of the Armed Forces, their families, veterans and Defence civilians has been launched.

Tobias Ellwood, Minister for Defence People and Veterans, launched the strategy at a major international veterans conference.

The strategy, which lasts from 2017-2022, builds on five years of research and aims to build a collective approach to prevent, detect and treat mental health and well-being issues, as well as introduce measures to promote the importance of mental health.

Although rates of mental disorder are slightly lower in the Armed Forces than in the general population - 3.2 per cent and 3.5 per cent, respectively - the challenge of improving the mental health of the MOD workforce is important.

The new strategy will include plans to: encompass all Defence people; introduce standardised mental health and well-being education and training for those working in Defence; invest in research on resilience training’ improve access to clinical assessment and prioritisation for treatment; develop partnerships with key service charities; and improve communication to the workforce about what help is available.

Ellwood said: “A fitter force is a more effective force and keeping our people healthy helps keep this country safe. This new strategy recognises the importance of mental health, alongside physical injuries and will improve the prevention, detection, and treatment of mental health issues which is vital to the well-being of our military.

“I’m also delighted to host ministers from some of our key partner nations, to consult and share best practice on veterans’ issues.”