LIB DEMS CALL FOR £500K EXTRA COUNCIL FUNDING TO TACKLE 'COMBAT STRESS' (Kirklees Liberal Democrats)

Kirklees Liberal Democrats <info@kirkleeslibdems.org.uk>

LIB DEMS CALL FOR £500K EXTRA COUNCIL FUNDING TO TACKLE 'COMBAT STRESS'

November 14, 2007 4:25 PM

Lib Dem Councillors are calling for £500,000 extra investment in local specialist services, to tackle problems of stress, anxiety and depression (often known as combat stress) suffered by ex-service personnel.

In a motion to be put to the next meeting of Full Council (5th December) the Lib Dems will ask Kirklees Council to formally support the Royal British Legion's 'Honour the Covenant' campaign calling on the government to do more to fulfil their responsibilities to ex-soldiers. The British Legion campaign highlights the difficulties many service people experience when they return from conflict, with many suffering from combat stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression.

Cllr Kath Pinnock, Leader of the Lib Dem group, said "We know that ex-service men and women often suffer from mental health conditions caused by their time serving in conflicts. Here in Kirklees the Liberal Democrats want to see more money made available to support activities and support for people, including ex-soldiers, to tackle these types of mental health problems. We are calling on the Council to provide an extra £500,000 locally to help those with mental health conditions, especially ex-soldiers."

Cllr David Woodhead (Lib Dem, Holme Valley North) said "The Royal British Legion work really hard to support ex-soldiers, and I hope the Council will support this motion which would make some practical help available here in our communities. I would also like to see the government listen to the British Legion's 'Honour the Covenant' campaign, and deliver improved compensation for soldiers and better health care. Once the government has sent soldiers to war they have a responsibility to provide support on their return."