A VETERANS’ charity has urged the government to provide more mental health support in Lancashire after concerns over the welfare of ex-service men and women.

Keith Hudson, spokesman for the North West-based Blue Apple Heroes charity said there was a lack of localised and long-term in- house care for those suffering from disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder in the region, despite it being home to around 20per cent of British military veterans.

Mr Hudson said: “Whilst health organisations such as the Pennine Trust and Combat Stress do absolutely fantastic work with this community, the government needs to provide more centres and facilities such as beds so more substantial respite care can be offered in Lancashire.

“Due to limited resources, sometimes people are restricted as to the amount of times they can re-visit a centre before having to re-apply but obviously any gap in care stalls their recovery process.

“Anyone with a mental health issue should be able to access help as and when they need it.”