PRINCE Harry will be in the region on Tuesday to learn more about a military charity which provides veterans with mental health support and helping those coming in contact with the criminal justice system.

His Royal Highness, who has been supporter of Walking With The Wounded since it was established several years ago, will spend time with its beneficiaries as well as project leaders and police, at the Civic Centre in Gateshead.

Discussions will include how Walking With The Wounded supports those ‘at risk’ so they can be a valued member of society and develop their independence following military service by providing long-term security for themselves and their families.

This is done by identifying veterans and their range of needs at various 'access points', including those with mental health issues, those ending up in police custody, those who become homeless, those with alcohol dependency as well as those needing help in getting a job.

Ed Parker, co-founder and chief executive of Walking With The Wounded said: “As a charity we believe too often mental health is seen in isolation and we are keen to show Prince Harry our work in highlighting how important it is to relate it to the wider care pathway.”

Prince Harry will meet three beneficiaries, all of whom have been supported by two of the charity’s key programmes, Head Start and Project Nova.

The Head Start programme exists to complement NHS and other organisations by providing mental health support to ex-service personnel, including therapy for those with mild to moderate mental health difficulties such as depression, anxiety or PTSD, including support for those who also misuse substances.

Project Nova identifies and supports veterans caught up in a cycle of anti-social and criminal activity, to prevent a further downward spiral and continued offending by supporting them back into mainstream society and sustainable employment.

After his visit to Gateshead, Prince Harry will go on to meet North-East Olympians Steve Cram and Jonathan Edwards in Newcastle to promote a Heads Together training day ahead of the Virgin Money London Marathon for which it has been named charity of the year.