Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, has today backed an information campaign for veterans of the armed forces and their families who, it is feared, are suffering in silence.
Run by the national charity Help for Heroes, the campaign encourages friends and relatives to seek advice if they need help.
The charity has also released new research showing that stigma is the main reason many of those surveyed do not speak up: 39 per cent said that they "don't feel [they] have the right to seek help", almost half (43 per cent) say they "need to be the strong one", and 16 per cent admitting they would be "afraid of appearing weak". One in three would turn to a family member, friend or other veteran wives and families before approaching their GP or a medical professional.
Caroline said: "This campaign will resonate with Gosport as a naval town; as behind every serving member of the armed forces there is an armed forces family who also need support.
If anyone has any concerns about a veteran or needs extra advice and support, they can contact Help for Heroes through [email protected] or the freephone number 0808 2020 144"
