New
figures released by the MOD provide an insight
into how the UK’s veteran population will change over the
next decade.
The figures show that over the next ten years, the number
of former service personnel in Great Britain is expected to
decrease by around 1 million, to approximately 1.6 million
by 2028. Estimates put the number of former service
personnel currently residing in Britain at around 2.5
million.
As well as the reduction in size, the age and gender
profile of the ex-forces community is also expected to
change. The percentage of veterans of working age, between
16-64, is projected to rise from 38% to 44%, while the
percentage of women is set to increase from 10% to 13%.
The new data projections will inform the first ‘Strategy
for our Veterans’, jointly published by the UK, Scottish
and Welsh Governments, which sets out the key areas of
support for those who have left the armed forces.
Published in November 2018, the strategy identified six key
areas where support is most needed over the next ten years,
including: community and relationships, employment and
skills, health and wellbeing, finance and debt, housing,
and contact with the law. The UK Government consultation
complementing the strategy is open until 21st February.
All relevant Government departments have a responsibility
to ensure that the military community is treated fairly,
and not disadvantaged by their service as part of the Armed
Forces Covenant. This includes access to housing and
healthcare, as well as employment and education support.
The 2021 census, which will for the first time allow
citizens to identify whether they have served, will work
alongside these new projected figures to help local
authorities to better understand the needs of the veterans
community, and to support them in the most efficient way.
Minister for Defence People and Veterans said:
The figures reveal important insight into the potential
needs of our future veteran community, and will help us
to continue to step up our support for those who have
served this country.
While the vast majority of ex-service personnel go to
live happy, healthy and successful lives, it’s right that
we work across Governments to make sure veterans can
access the services they need.
This week, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local
Government announced that all social housing applicants
will be given the chance to identify themselves as
veterans, and those struggling with mental health will be
given the same priority as their peers with physical
injuries.
Last year, NHS England confirmed that every part of the
country now has dedicated mental health services up and
running for veterans, and announced the first 25 hospitals
to become ‘Veteran Aware’, delivering specialist healthcare
support to those who have served. This will be supported by
£10 million of investment as part of the NHS’s long term
plan.
Any veteran in need of advice can call the Veterans’
Gateway – a 24 hour helpline which acts as the
first port of call for ex-service personnel and their
families. The MOD has announced that the Gateway’s 24/7
helpline will trial a new outreach service where it will
proactively call those who have served, to check in on
their wellbeing and remind them of where support can be
found.
