Leader of the Welsh Conservatives and Clwyd West MS Darren Millar hosted an event in the Senedd this week to celebrate 15 years of Veterans’ NHS Wales.

Veterans NHS Wales is a specialised, priority service for individuals who have served in the Armed Forces and are experiencing mental health difficulties related specifically to their military service.

It is made up of six local health boards in Wales. Each board has a veteran therapist experienced in mental health issues relating to military service. Referrals can be made through a GP or veteran charity, or directly by the veteran or representative themselves.

Five years ago, Darren, who for 15 years was Chair of the Senedd Cross Party Group on the Armed Forces and Cadets, hosted an event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the services, so was delighted to do the same to mark this latest milestone.

Speaking after the celebrations in Pierhead Building, he said:

“As I have repeatedly said throughout my time as a Member of the Senedd, 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.

“The Veterans NHS Service plays an integral role in helping to achieve this and it was a privilege to sponsor yesterday’s event to celebrate 15 years of this fantastic service.    

“During the event, we heard from Peer Mentors from a number of Health Boards across Wales, along with service users who shared their own stories of how the support provided by Veterans NHS Wales has helped them to improve their mental health.

“Over the past decade and a half, Veterans NHS Wales has done incredible work to support the wellbeing of veterans in Wales, saving lives and livelihoods. Here’s to the next 15 years!”