Chris Platts

Last week we posted that 1 in 50 serving personnel is currently in specialist mental health care. Meaning they are currently under the care of Departments of Community Mental Care (DCMH). What the real story is that 1 in 10 seek help from medical professionals. That’s approximately 15,000 are currently struggling with their mental wellbeing. That is just those who are reporting it, with many more needing support. The constant operational output within a shrinking Armed Forces is taking is taking it’s toll on our personnel. It is breaking them physically and mentally. Adding to this the constant budget cuts, below inflation pay rises tied with increased living costs, sub-par housing repairs, etc. It would make more sense if the number was closer to 1 in 8 or less. Now looking at the other side of Service life. It has been reported that 20% of veterans are currently suffering from some form of mental health problems. That’s approximately 480,000 ex-serving personnel. Let me say that again. Four hundred and eighty thousand. The majority of these issues can be related back to their time in the Armed Forces. Totalling approximately half a million people who need support. Our Support.

Thankfully there are literally thousands of organisations out there doing an amazing job helping our most vulnerable personnel, including Buddy Check. However some times it can be difficult to find the right one to help you when you need it the most. That’s what Buddy Check wants to change. What we want to do is connect our members to each other to provide that initial support and understanding. To allow our members to see the bigger picture and see that there are people out there who want to help. We also want to connect our members to these amazing organisations. We want to create a network of support agencies and be able to point our members in the direction of those who can help them the most. What we want is to make sure our members have all the tools available to be able to improve their mental health wellbeing.

What we need is you. We need you to take that first brave step and open up using our services. There is no judgement, only support. We need you to help those who have been brave by offering your guidance. Showing them the way to a positive mindset. We need you let us know who the best organisations are. So we can join them to our network of support. What we need is you.

Come join us today. A Buddy Check might be the answer you were looking for.