Veterans

Many veterans have poor health outcomes due to several factors. Firstly, their military service often exposes them to physical injuries and mental health issues like PTSD. Secondly, once they leave the service, they might struggle to access quality healthcare. This could be due to financial issues, lack of transportation, or long wait times at healthcare facilities. Finally, many veterans might not seek help because of the stigma surrounding mental health, which can lead to untreated conditions becoming worse. All these factors combined result in poorer health outcomes for many veterans.

Veterans' health in the East Riding

Highlights from the Inclusion Health Needs Assessment November 2024

• In 2021, there were 17,732 veterans in East Riding, making up 6.2% of the population, which is higher than the England average of 3.8%.
• Of these veterans, 14.9% were women and 85.1% were men. About 30.5% were aged 80 years and older, and over half were aged 65 years and over.
• Almost half of the veterans reported having issues with hearing or sight, and many also had musculoskeletal problems.
• Mental health challenges are common among veterans, and many use substances like alcohol to cope. There's a need for better support in this area.
• Veterans often don't know about the services available to them because they don't identify as veterans, especially younger ones. 80% said they weren't told about any specific support for the Armed Forces

Read full report HERE.

Support available in the East Riding

The Armed Forces Covenant

If you are serving, or have served in HM Armed Forces, the Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation to make sure you and your family, as part of the Armed Forces community, are treated fairly when you access services, and do not face discrimination compared to other citizens. Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most, such as the injured and the bereaved.

Full details of support and advice available within Keeping Safe section of this website HERE. Alternatively please visit the East Riding website for extensive information and support available. https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/council/working-with-our-partners/armed-forces-community/armed-forces-covenant/

Support groups and organisations

To find an up to date list of organisations and groups supporting the sector, please visit https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/council/working-with-our-partners/armed-forces-community/armed-forces-community-and-relationships/#local-support-groups-and-activities.

For any help related to the Covenant or if you need to add a support service to the list, please contact community.covenant@eastriding.gov.uk or call (01482) 391426.