Clwyd West Assembly Member Darren Millar hosted an event in the Pierhead yesterday to mark the 10th Anniversary of Veterans NHS Wales.
Veterans' NHS Wales treats ex-service personnel with mental health problems including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Darren, who is Chair of the Cross Party Group on the Armed Forces and Cadets, said:
“The potential adverse impact of active military service on health and wellbeing has long been recognised with physical and psychological symptoms being commonly reported by veterans. Life outside of the armed forces can be extremely challenging and it is vital that our ex-service personnel have access to the right help and support.
“Sadly over the years we have seen too many veterans turning up in the criminal justice system, experiencing family breakdown and taking their own lives because they couldn’t cope and had nowhere to turn.
“Veterans NHS Wales is there to support them and has achieved a lot since its establishment in 2010. It has been used by almost 3,000 veterans, which is fantastic, but there are pressures within the service which the Welsh Government needs to address.
“Additional funding is essential in order to reduce waiting lists and ensure that ex-service personnel have access to the services they need when they need them.
“We owe it to those who sacrifice so much for our country, to provide them, and their families, with the very best services and support."