Veterans face new battle with depression and debt according to report

Report says younger veterans feel 'let down by the country they fought for" Credit: PA

A former soldier from St Helens has been talking of the despair he felt on his return to civilian life. David Swift ended up living on the streets. He says he wishes he'd never left the army.'It was easier to be a soldier than a civilian.'

His comments come as a report reveals a generation of younger veterans live on an average household income of less than 14 thousand pounds.

The military charity SSAFA says more than seventy per cent of former soldiers suffer long-term physical and mental health problems and feel let down by the country they fought for.

It says many are living in fear of debt, they are depressed by their circumstances and lack self-esteem. They also believe they have been disadvantaged by their service and feel poorly treated compared to veterans in the USA.

Their plight is revealed in a major research report by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, which surveyed nearly 1,000 veterans it has helped. SSAFAs report shines a rare spotlight on the issues facing younger veterans, who are under 45. While attention has often been focused on the problems faced by older, retired veterans, this younger group is most likely to feel undervalued by society.

The report highlights problems with depression and lack of self esteem Credit: PA

David Swift from St Helens joined up at 17. Six years later he had lost everything and ended up living on the streets.

David Swift says he wishes he'd never left the army Credit: David Swift
Report says one in two are not in work and can't afford essential items Credit: PA

The research says there's an underclass of the most needy veterans, of working-age (16-65).

It reveals:

  • Seven out of ten have long-term physical or mental health conditions, illnesses or disabilities - 60% are suffering from a clinically diagnosed mental health condition

  • One in two don't have enough money for essential items; four out of ten say they cannot afford daily living expenses

  • One in two are not in work, many of them not well enough to seek employment

  • 85% believe the UK doesnt give enough support to its veterans

  • 78% think the US is more generous than the UK to veterans

  • Four in ten believe they have been disadvantaged by their military service in relation to housing and employment

  • One in two think the Armed Forces Covenant, which says veterans should not suffer disadvantage as a result of their service, should be more generous towards them

  • More than four out of ten veterans who fought in Afghanistan say they are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - the number rises to one in two for Gulf War veterans.

The report gives a voice to veterans on The New Frontline - the transition from the services to civilian life. Some are reliant on food banks, others have ended up homeless or in prison or contemplated suicide.

Report says: 'Ministry of Defence needs to improve discharge process' Credit: PA

The report calls for:

  • Welfare screening of potentially vulnerable servicemen and women before they leave the forces

  • A new government funded mentoring scheme to support them for at least a year, guiding them through their first year as a civilian. SSAFAs research suggests this initial 12month period is crucial

  • The Ministry of Defence (MOD) to improve its discharge processes to ensure that the service records of veterans are shared with the appropriate health and welfare professionals