THE BARNARD Castle widow of a soldier has welcomed the launch of a 24/7 helpline for traumatised troops and a pledge by defence chiefs to boost funding for military mental health services over the next ten years.
Lainey Hunt has been liaising with the former head of the British Army, General Lord Dannatt, since the death of her husband, Royal Engineer Nathan Hunt, this year.
Mr Hunt completed two tours of Iraq, two tours of Afghanistan and received a Mention in Dispatches for
his bravery in Helmand Province.
He also served alongside Prince Harry in Afghanistan in 2008 as part of the Household Cavalry. He took his own life on New Year’s Day aged 39, ending a lengthy battle with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Following Mr Hunt’s death, Lord Dannatt launched a campaign for a 24-hour military helpline aimed at preventing suicides which Mrs Hunt and Nathan’s parents, Derek and Maria, fully supported.
At the weekend, defence secretary Gavin Williamson pledged to increase funding for Armed Forces mental health services to £220million over the next decade, as well as launching the new 24/7 Military Mental Health Helpline for troops and their families.
The new number – 0800 323 4444 – began taking calls at noon on Sunday. It will also be backed by a major internal communications campaign on mental fitness across the services.
Mrs Hunt, who is a warrant officer class two with the 32 Engineer Regiment, at Catterick Garrison, welcomed the announcement.
She said: “I think it is absolutely fantastic. It is a massive improvement and way forward for the Ministry of Defence in addressing their awareness of PTSD and depression within the military.
“I am delighted that the right care is being provided. This will make a huge difference as servicemen and servicewomen will be able to have 24 hour access to help rather than having to wait until they could get booked in with a medical officer, which could take days.
“Nathan’s parents and I are extremely pleased and support the campaign that Lord Dannatt has pushed forward.
“We are grateful that the defence minister has agreed to this.”
Combat Stress – the leading veterans mental health charity – has been commissioned to run the new helpline service which will be operated by a team of professionals.
The Ministry of Defence will provide additional funds to enhance Combat Stress’ service – predominantly aimed at veterans.
Defence secretary Gavin Williamson said: “Every hour of every day our safety, security and way of life are protected by our courageous Armed Forces personnel. They are always there for us – often risking life and limb and making huge personal sacrifices – and we must be there for them in their own time of need.
“Mental illnesses caused by life on the battlefield can have a devastating impact on our brave heroes and their families. It is our moral and professional duty to ensure that we do all we can for our world-class troops.”
The helpline is the only service in the country tailored towards the Armed Forces community which talks to callers while also providing practical help by calling the emergency services if needed.
