Tackling Veterans’ Suicide

THE MP Rayleigh and Wickford MP chaired a conference at Westminster to discuss ways to reduce suicide rates among Armed Forces veterans.

Mark Francois MP was joined by television star Ross Kemp and Veterans Minister for the Cabinet Office, Johnny Mercer MP, to launch the ‘Forcer Protocol,’ named after former soldier, Alan Forcer, who unfortunately took his own life several years ago.

The meeting was addressed by Claire Lilly, Alan’s Widow, who has worked tirelessly since his death to raise the issue of veteran’s suicide and what more can be done to prevent it.

The protocol was trialled by Greater Manchester Police and went live on Armistice Day, and will work by giving forces procedures to help prevent suicide attempts by veterans, and to help such people receive support.

Commenting on the event Mr Francois said: “It was great to be joined at Westminster by the veteran’s minister for the Cabinet Office, and Ross Kemp, who is patron to a number of a number of service charities, including ‘Safe and Found Online’, who provide IT support to the Forcer Protocol.

“Unfortunately, the latest data shows that around 50 veterans took their own lives last year, so we are talking about one a week.

“This protocol, should mean that police forces, working with the families of veterans who may be at risk, can respond far quicker to those who are at serious risk of suicide. Hopefully, as a result, many lives will be saved in the future.

“I particularly want to commend my constituent, Claire Lilly for her absolutely tireless

dedication over the last few years to make this system a reality.”

Picture: Mark Francois MP with Ross Kemp Johnny Mercer MP and constituent Claire Lilly at Westminster.

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