FOLLOWING on my campaign to get Kirklees to invest more in mental health services for veterans Roy Sykes (Mailbag, February 14) sympathises but asks about disability allowances.
The main thrust of my argument is that we need to provide treatment and practical support for those suffering the effects of combat stress, not just financial compensation.
So we are looking at schemes for GPs to signpost ex-servicemen to support networks when the first signs of mental illness appear and for training and work placement schemes to get them back into employment, as well as strengthening the more obvious medical services.
The Royal British Legion estimates that there are about 550 veterans under the age of 65 with mental health problems. My proposals, together with other commitments, would therefore amount to about £1,000 per person; not a huge sum in social care terms.
Clr David Woodhead
Liberal Democrat councillor, Holme Valley North ward
