Nelson’s Falklands war hero Simon Weston has backed calls for better mental health treatment for veterans.
Mr Weston has spoken out in favour of a ‘kitemark’ system being introduced for providers of mental health treatment.
The Royal British Legion, Combat Stress and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA), are behind the idea of the ‘kitemark’ and believe it will provide clarity to veterans in Wales looking for help.
Mr Weston said: “It is so important that the proper checks are in place when it comes to those providing mental health treatment for veterans and this kitemark would help provide some additional safeguards so that people know the type of treatments that are available and where they can be accessed.
“When public money is being used to help veterans with mental health issues, which is such a fragile and delicate area, it is vital that the providers can demonstrate the highest levels of quality and governance to protect those using the services.
“Having a kitemark that professionals can use to demonstrate their standards of care can only help provide clarity for those veterans who may be vulnerable and require support”.
The aim is to help provide veterans with clear information about the type of treatment being offered and whether this treatment meets the guidelines of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).
Currently in Wales, veterans can access such mental health assessment and treatment via the Welsh Government–funded All Wales Veterans’ Health and Wellbeing Service (AWVHWS). Veterans from Wales can also access the support of the charity Combat Stress.
According to the group, it is often difficult for veterans with mental health problems to know exactly where to turn when they need advice or treatment due to the increasing number of charities and providers in the field.
According to Welsh Government figures there are around 250,000 members of the Armed Forces community in Wales, which includes serving regular and reserves as well as veterans.
Garrett Taylor, Director of Operations for Combat Stress said: “Combat Stress is strongly in favour of the Welsh Government implementing a kitemark for all providers of mental health treatment for veterans to adhere to. Treating a veteran suffering from psychological wounds relating to their military service is a sensitive and complex process. It is therefore extremely important that Veterans know where to turn for treatment and can be assured that they will receive care that is clinically proven and delivered by trained professionals.
“All Combat Stress treatment used in the care of Veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder meets NICE guidelines. The charity is committed to Wales and is currently providing vital mental health treatment to more than 400 veterans across the country.”
Phil Jones, Wales Area Manager for the Royal British Legion added: “There are many excellent charities in Wales doing a great job in supporting our veterans – from the Royal British Legion, Combat Stress and SSAFA to smaller charities offering financial support who work locally.
“However we believe that in the sensitive area of mental health treatment, it is vital that those offering treatment for conditions such as anxiety and depressive disorders and PTSD are providing evidence-based treatment via professionally and accredited trained professionals. The proper procedures must be in place to protect the individual, many of whom have very complex needs.
“We believe this kitemark idea should be developed by Welsh Government, the NHS and the sector in partnership so that veterans can clearly see who the providers are and what treatment they are providing. It would be publicised by the whole sector so all veterans would need to do is to look at a website to see who has the kitemark and therefore, who is providing NICE-approved treatment.
“It may also be possible for veterans support groups and other charities for example to affiliate with the kitemark, as long as they support the criteria, and therefore bring together providers in a more consistent way and strengthen pathways to care.”