Tim Farron pays tribute in Parliament to Kendal-based counselling service for veterans

On the floor of the House of Commons last night, South Lakes MP Tim Farron asked the Secretary of State for Defence to champion the work of a local counselling service for veterans.

One Vision, which is based at Stricklandgate House in Kendal, was launched last year and provides mental health support for serving and former emergency service workers and military personnel.

Speaking in Parliament during a Ministerial Statement on Remembrance and Veterans: “Recruiting and retaining good people who will serve our country is made a little easier if they know that they will be cared for in the years after they leave active service.

“Will the Secretary of State say something about the importance of investing in mental health support for veterans, and in particular congratulate One Vision, the charity in my constituency that provides counselling support for the armed forces and all those in uniform, and does work to make sure that we value those people in the years after they have actively served us?”

Responding, the Defence Secretary John Healey said: “I will indeed. The honourable gentleman is right, of course. 

“On support services for veterans who need them, there is not just what the Government can help provide - including, on mental health, through Op Courage - but what is provided by a network of first-class local charities. 

“If One Vision plays a part in that in his area of Cumbria, I certainly pay tribute to it.”