The challenging situation in Afghanistan continues and whilst I mentioned last week that I was unhappy with the decision of our allies to pull out as quickly as they did, I am pleased to report that Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Ministry of Defence and Home Office staff have been working incredibly hard to get people out, keep them safe and then make sure they are properly looked after.
At this time it’s important to remember those who have served in our Armed Forces. Please remember that there is help available if veterans or their families need it. It is more important than ever to spread the word about how to access specialist support for mental health and wellbeing, wherever you live in the UK.
Veterans and their families in England can be referred to specialist NHS Op Courage services by their GP. When you contact Op Courage, you'll speak to people who: understand the armed forces and military life; are either from the armed forces community or highly experienced in working with serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families; will work with you to make sure you get the right type of specialist care, support, and treatment. More information can also be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/armed-forces-and-veterans-healthcare/veterans-nhs-mental-health-services/
In Wales, you can reach out to Veteran Therapists in each Local Health Board and there are also dedicated resources available through NHS Scotland and the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Support Office.
Anyone in the UK or overseas can also contact the Veterans’ Gateway website or helpline on 0808 802 1212 for around the clock advice and signposting to further support across the charity sector, including for families and the bereaved.
I strongly urge anyone affected by the recent news to access the specialist care available to them. In the case of an emergency or crisis, please contact the Samaritans for free on 116 123.
Last week the Government also published their response to the Consultation on Improvements to Animal Welfare in Transport. The welfare of all animals, including in transport, is a real priority for the Government. Now we have left the EU, we have the opportunity to go further to raise animal welfare standards.
The Government is already ending excessively long journeys by legislating to ban live animal exports for slaughter and fattening through the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill. These regulatory reforms would cover maximum journey times, temperature conditions, space and headroom allowances, and transport by sea.
The Government has received a wide range of views to their consultation on maximum journey times, thermal conditions and ventilation, space and headroom allowances and sea transport. They have listened to those views, and will now continue to work with industry, NGOs and others to develop practical solutions that generate the good welfare outcomes we all want to see.
