The Ukrainian Veterans Foundation examined the veteran policy of the United Kingdom – a new study “State policy of veteran support: the experience of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland” was published.
Yes, in 2022 there were 2 million veterans in the United Kingdom. According to forecasts, their number will decrease to 1.6 million by 2028. In Ukraine, on the contrary, the number of veterans will increase. A special “surge” occurs after a the start of the full-scale invasion.
Britain’s veteran support policy focuses on four areas:
Employment. The Ministry of Defense finances a special employment program for veterans. 86% of those who used it got a job within six months
Mental health. The country is investigating whether the number of suicides among veterans is proportional to other segments of the population. They also have a special Alliance for the health care of veterans and their families, which is 49 hospitals and ambulances. They prepare general practitioners to understand the needs of veterans and their families. There is a special form of accreditation.
Crime prevention. In 2019, only 3% of new arrivals in prison are ex-servicemen. However, the United Kingdom has a special program to support veterans in prisons and their rehabilitation.
Housing. The state tries to help veterans when they are at risk of losing their homes. Such support at an early stage helps to avoid homelessness. Therefore, the number of homeless veterans decreased from 6% in 2014 to 2% in 2018. Priority housing assistance is given to the seriously injured and those in urgent need
The study is available at the link.
