Minister for Veterans Tobias Ellwood visits helpline

Minister for Defence People and Veterans Tobias Ellwood has visited the Combat Stress helpline to find out how we’re supporting veterans and service personnel with mental health problems.

The Combat Stress mental health helpline launched in 2011, taking thousands of calls every year from veterans, service personnel and families. Earlier this year, we partnered with the MOD to provide an additional helpline to service personnel and their families.

During Mr Ellwood’s visit last week to the helpline, based near Cardiff, he met with our Regional Operations Manager Adrienne Coward and several of the call advisors.

Adrienne said: “The Minister was very interested to hear about the two helplines we provide. He was also struck by the stories our triage nurse told him about veterans who’ve been supported through the helpline. The Minister asked many questions and I’m sure left with a very positive impression of the work our helpline does.”

The Combat Stress mental health helpline has two numbers: Veterans and their families can call 0800 138 1619. Serving personnel and their families can call 0800 323 4444.