COUNCILLORS are recomending that a single veterans’ helpline should be set up in the North-East to ensure that struggling former servicemen and women get the help they need.

The recommendation that local authorities should consider providing a well-publicised telephone number that veterans can ring was one of a number of suggestions by councillors.

The investigation into the adequacy of services for veterans was the first of its kind in England and involved all 12 North-East local authorities.

Councillors concluded that much more should be done to ensure veterans get the help and support they need.

The region’s Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee met in Durham City last June to establish whether the needs of returning servicemen and women – and their families – are met by the services currently available.

The inquiry involved consultation with a range of military and civilian experts, organisations and statutory bodies.

It is estimated that veterans and their dependents account for a sixth of the North-East’s population, or about 400,000 people, with more than half suffering from a long-term illness or disability.

In its final report, the committee made 53 separate recommendations, and reached a number of conclusions how services can be improved.

These include: better communication and information sharing; further research into the needs of ex-servicemen and women; raising awareness among local authorities and other organisations; improving access to affordable housing and the prioritisation of veterans’ mental health issues Councillors also felt that military personnel who need artificial limbs should given the best available.

When they leave the military and come under the care of the NHS, the same level of replacements are not always available, the councillors found.

They were also concerned that NHS facilities may also lack the military’s expertise in prosthetics.

Councillors also recommendation that veterans in need of artificial limbs should be provided with replacements as they age, which would allow them to live the same life and have the same mobility as those issued by the military.

Middlesbrough councillor Eddie Dryden, who chaired the physical health discussion groups, said: “This review was the first of its kind to look at this hugely important area and our recommendations are the first step towards a better future for our servicemen and women and their families.”