My son was an Iraq war veteran who battled with PTSD and mental health issues until he tragically committed suicide at the age of 39. When he left the army, he was discarded with no support network other than the brothers he served with.

His story is not unique. Many military personnel who have served our nation with honor and bravery have been left in the lurch after their service ends, struggling with the invisible scars of war.

Quote from Sgt Danny Morgan who works tirelessly to support veterans and families:

We need to have an honest conversation about military charities.
There are over 1,800 of them in the UK, all doing “their bit”, all raising money… yet we are still losing veterans. People are still struggling. People are still taking their own lives.
Yes, we’ll never fully understand every reason why. But that can’t keep being the line that stops us from doing better.
I’m not a clever man, but even I know some of this feels like common sense:

1. Start earlier: during CTW (Career Transition Workshop).Why aren’t service leavers being told exactly what support exists where they’re actually going to live? Not generic advice, real, local connections.

2. Connect people to real jobs.A few years ago I approached a local resettlement centre to say a business was hiring and willing to take on service leavers. I was told no because they “How am I suppose to know where people will end up living.”That’s not good enough. There has to be a better way of linking employers with those leaving.

3. Promote local veteran communities.There are loads of veteran coffee groups, breakfast clubs, and meetups across the country. They’re often lifelines. Why aren’t these being actively pushed to people before they leave?

4. Reverse mentoring.We mentor people to adapt to military life, why don’t we do the same in reverse? Pair service leavers with veterans who’ve already made the transition. Real experience, real guidance.

5. Warn soliders that when the banter stops the demons start talking. You can’t even go for a poo in the military on your own, yet all of a sudden, “see ya” and you’re just a photo on a mess wall.

This isn’t about criticising individuals doing good work. It’s about asking why, with so much knowledge and capacity out there aren’t we doing more. The system still feels disconnected.
We don’t need more noise. We need better coordination, better communication, and more practical support where it actually matters, on the ground, at the point of transition, and in the communities people end up in.
We can do better. We have to.

Military personnel sacrifice so much while serving the nation. They risk their lives and mental wellbeing for our safety and freedom. Yet, when the war is over for them, their battles often continue in silence. The transition from military to civilian life can be a daunting and lonely journey, especially without adequate support.

There is an urgent need for the Ministry of Defence to step up and implement comprehensive rehabilitation and psychological support programs for our veterans. These brave men and women deserve better. They deserve a support system that provides mental health care, counseling, and therapy to help them adjust to civilian life and combat issues like PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

Several examples from around the world highlight how beneficial such support programs can be. Countries like Canada and the United States have implemented structured initiatives to assist their veterans in this transition, acknowledging the importance of mental health care and support for reducing veteran suicide rates.

The lack of support is not only a failing by our government but a national tragedy that can be prevented. Programs tailored to the specific needs of military personnel should be introduced, offering services that meet both their psychological and physical rehabilitation needs. Employing veterans in the development of these programs will ensure that they are relevant and effective, and provide a much-needed bridge to the civilians they so bravely defended.

Our veterans deserve a future with hope and healing, not one overshadowed by despair and neglect. We urge the Ministry of Defence to prioritize and implement these essential support programs. Please stand with us and demand change. Sign this petition to make a difference in the lives of those who have given so much for us.