Today’s defence-related news is led by the one-month anniversary of the 24-Hour Mental Health Helpline, 0800 323 4444, for serving Armed Forces personnel and their families.
Mental Health Helpline
To mark the one month anniversary of the MOD and Combat Stress mental health helpline for serving personnel, the Mail on Sunday features a piece on the new card which has been designed to promote the helpline, which is 0800 323 4444,
The paper writes that all British troops are being issued with pocket-size cards carrying the telephone number of the dedicated round-the-clock helpline for those suffering battlefield stress. The paper says the card is part of an extra £20m pledged over the next 10 years to fund mental health initiatives. The piece also updates on the first month of operation, saying the helpline has already received more than 300 calls.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
Our Armed Forces work tirelessly to protect our country and I’m committed to making sure they have all the support they need. The new helpline is up and running and I’m pleased to see that it’s already helping those who have reached out. The helpline card we’re launching today will be an easy to carry reminder for our brave men and women that support is always available when they need it most.
Royal Navy ships
The Sunday Express reports on the number of ships in the Royal Navy.
A Royal Navy spokesman said:
Last week there were 32 ships and submarines deployed, in home waters and all five oceans around the world. We have a truly global presence, with some 8,500 Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel either deployed, getting ready to deploy, or standing at high readiness.
LBdr Ben Parkinson
The Mail on Sunday looks at the situation around wounded British soldier Ben Parkinson, focusing on the funding of his care.
An MOD Spokesperson said:
Minister for the House of Lords, Earl Howe has assured LBdr Parkinson and his family that we are working hard to establish his new care package as quickly as we can.
We recognise the family’s frustrations that the new package hasn’t been established earlier however give this is a new and innovative scheme we have a duty to make sure it continues to provide the best care possible. In the meantime we, along with the NHS, continue to deliver LBdr Parkinson’s day to day and specialist needs.
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