As a veteran, November is always a poignant time of the year. It is a time of remembrance, an opportunity to pay tribute to the hard work and sacrifice of our brave service personnel whose valiant efforts at home and abroad have helped to secure the liberties that enjoy today. I am proud to have served our country, both as a veteran and now as a local MP. As we build back better, I want to ensure that veterans, service personnel, and their loved ones continue to be supported.
There are many families in Wolverhampton who support the Armed Forces. Recently in Parliament, I called on the Government to do everything that it can to ensure all serving and former service personnel have all the support that they and their families need. I am pleased that the Government has committed to introducing an Armed Forces Families Strategy, which will deliver choice and flexibility to service families. It will build on our programme of assistance, which already includes the wraparound childcare that is currently being piloted, as well as support for partner employment.
Earlier this year, I undertook the Dragon’s Back Race, the world ‘s toughest mountain race. It saw me run down the mountainous spine of Wales, from Conwy Castle to Cardiff Castle in a matter of just six days to raise funds for two charities close to my heart: Wolves Foundation and Elysium Memorial Foundation for veteran suicide. I am grateful to everyone who sponsored me for this. Together, we raised more than £5,000 for these incredible organisations.
I have spoken many times about the injuries I sustained during my time in the Army and the mental as well as physical health impact that it had. I want to use my platform not only to share my own story but inspire change for the better. As part of this, I am campaigning for better investment so that we can further improve veteran services and outcomes for them and their families.
I am really pleased that the Government has announced a new £5 million Veterans’ Health Innovation Fund in 2022 to 23. This will help to ensure that veterans who have suffered physical injury or mental health challenges during their service, can access the most innovative and trailblazing new treatments. It will enable more research into surgery techniques for amputees with blast injuries, new treatments for mental health issues, new technology to enable wounded, veterans to rebuild their lives, sponsor data and digital projects to explore better use of technology for heath, and fund research and treatment for mild traumatic brain injury.
This action is at the heart of our Armed Forces Covenant, which emphasises the mutual obligation between the nation, the Government, and the Armed Forces. I am now calling on all veterans in our community to take part in my survey which will help to shape our local recovery action plan. Everyone can take part in my survey at www.stuartanderson.org.uk/form/better-future-survey