A FLAGSHIP unit to improve mental health in the Armed Forces will be delayed for two years, it has been revealed.

       Ministers promised to set up a new team to get swift -support to troops before they suffer post-traumatic stress or other combat conditions.

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       The unit was intended to get swift support to troops before they suffer post-traumatic stress Credit: PA 3

       Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey said: 'Mental health problems are rising' Credit: PA:Press Association

       Nearly half of all medical discharges in the past year were due to mental health issues, according to recent analysis.

       But Armed Forces Minister Leo Docherty has announced the new team will not be ready until November 2023.

       The number of personnel being seen by the MoD’s specialist mental health service fell by 1,900 over four years to just 3,157.

       Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey said: “Mental health problems are rising, yet the MoD’s specialist service is helping fewer personnel and ministers admit support won’t be in place for another two years.

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       “This is another hollow pledge with no follow-up action to help our service men and women.”

       More than 10,000 troops have been discharged because of mental health issues in the past 20 years.

       Responding to Mr Healey, Mr Docherty said: “The new high readiness Force Mental Health Team is planned to be established by November 2023, but its formation and some delivery will begin as soon as personnel become available.

       “There will be two new teams, one within each of two new Multi-Role Medical Regiments, consisting of Mental Health Nurses with access to an on-call Psychiatrist.”

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       More than 10,000 troops have been discharged because of mental health issues in the past 20 years Credit: Getty

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