Men’s Health Month: Addressing Homelessness, PTSD, and Suicide Among Male Veterans in the UK

June is Men’s Health Month, a time to spotlight critical health issues affecting men, including the unique challenges faced by male veterans. In the UK, male veterans are disproportionately impacted by homelessness, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicide, often as a result of their military service and the difficulties of transitioning to civilian life. This article aims to raise awareness about these interconnected issues, highlight recent statistics, and provide actionable steps for individuals and communities to support male veterans, with a focus on UK-specific resources and initiatives.

The Scale of the Crisis

Homelessness Among Male Veterans

Veteran homelessness remains a pressing issue in the UK, with male veterans making up the majority of cases due to the higher proportion of men in the armed forces. Between 2018 and 2023, the number of homeless veteran households in England rose by nearly 25%, from 1,820 to 2,270, with 2,110 households assessed as homeless in 2022/23 alone, a 14% increase from the previous year. While veterans account for only 0.7% of the 1.7 million households owed a homelessness duty during this period, the upward trend is alarming.

Many male veterans experience “hidden homelessness,” such as sofa surfing or living in temporary accommodations, which obscures the true scale of the problem. Areas with large military populations, like Gosport (where veterans comprise 12.5% of the population), report sharp increases in homelessness, underscoring regional disparities and insufficient national support

PTSD and Mental Health Challenges

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a significant contributor to veterans’ struggles, particularly among men who may have experienced combat or other traumatic events. Approximately 7.4% of UK veterans suffer from PTSD, a rate higher than the general population’s 3–4%. Symptoms such as hypervigilance, nightmares, and social withdrawal can exacerbate difficulties in securing employment, maintaining relationships, and accessing stable housing. The stigma surrounding mental health, coupled with a military culture of self-reliance, often prevents male veterans from seeking help, with only 25% of those who died by suicide having had contact with specialist NHS mental health services in the year prior to their death. Younger male veterans (under 25) are particularly at risk, with the lowest rates of mental health service engagement (21%) despite being a high-risk group for suicide.

Suicide Risk

Suicide rates among male veterans are a growing concern. While overall suicide rates for UK veterans are not significantly higher than the general population, specific subgroups, particularly young male veterans and those with short service lengths, are at elevated risk. A 2023 study found that between 1996 and 2018, 0.2% of UK veterans died by suicide, with younger veterans (aged 24 and under) facing a risk two to three times higher than their civilian counterparts. In 2021, an estimated 5,175 veteran deaths were caused by suicide in England and Wales, with men accounting for the vast majority. Factors such as PTSD, depression, substance misuse, and homelessness significantly increase suicide risk, with veterans diagnosed with PTSD being more likely to exhibit suicidal ideation or attempts.

Why Male Veterans Are Vulnerable

The transition from military to civilian life is fraught with challenges for male veterans. The loss of structure, camaraderie, and purpose can leave many feeling isolated. Economic instability, driven by rising living costs and difficulties finding employment, compounds these issues. Almost half of veterans describe their transition as “difficult” or “very difficult,” with unemployment and underemployment pushing many toward financial insecurity. Additionally, 38% of male veterans report experiencing sexual trauma during service, which can contribute to PTSD and other mental health disorders. The lack of comprehensive data collection on veteran homelessness and suicide by the UK Ministry of Defence further hinders targeted interventions, leaving many male veterans without adequate support

How to Get Help: UK Resources for Male Veterans

Male veterans struggling with homelessness, PTSD, or suicidal thoughts have access to several UK-based resources designed to provide immediate and long-term support:

  • Combat Stress (https://combatstress.org.uk/): This leading veterans’ mental health charity offers specialised treatment for PTSD, including intensive programs with a 90% success rate. Veterans can access free, confidential support via their 24/7 helpline: 0800 138 1619 or email: helpline@combatstress.org.uk.
  • PTSD Resolution (https://ptsdresolution.org/): Provides free, prompt, and effective therapy for veterans, reservists, and their families, available in-person, online, or by phone. Contact: 0300 302 0551 or email: contact@ptsdresolution.org.
  • Head Up (https://www.head-up.org.uk/): A charity focused on mental health support for armed forces personnel and veterans, offering resources to manage PTSD and other conditions.
  • Samaritans (https://www.samaritans.org/): Offers 24/7 emotional support for anyone in distress, including veterans, via their helpline: 116 123. Their policy position on veterans emphasizes tailored mental health support.
  • Veterans Crisis Hotline UK: Provides immediate support for veterans in crisis at 0800 731 4880 (UK) or +44 (0)207 463 9292 (global).
  • 20-year study finds rates of PTSD and common mental disorders on the rise in Armed Forces personnel and veterans https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/ptsd-on-the-rise
  • GOV.UK Support for Veterans (https://www.gov.uk/support-for-veterans): Details government initiatives like Operation Fortitude, which has rehoused over 400 veterans, and the Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme, funded through 2026.
  • Royal British Legion (https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/): Offers comprehensive support for veterans and their families, including financial assistance, housing support, and mental health resources.
  • Togetherall is a mental health support service that provides: anonymous, round-the-clock online support with trained counsellors – All armed forces serving personnel, reservists, veterans and their families can access these services at any time.
  • Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service (https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/armed-forces-community/mental-health/veterans-reservists/) NHS You can contact the service in many ways, including: directly getting in touch yourself, or through a family member or friend, asking a GP or other healthcare representative to refer you OR asking a charity to refer you

Actions to Improve the Situation

Individuals, communities, and policymakers can take concrete steps to address homelessness, PTSD, and suicide among male veterans in the UK:

Raise Awareness and Reduce Stigma:

  • Encourage open conversations about mental health during Men’s Health Month by sharing stories of veterans who have sought help. Combat Stress and PTSD Resolution offer resources for community outreach.
  • Challenge stereotypes about male veterans being “tough” or self-reliant, which can deter help-seeking. Public campaigns, like those by Samaritans, can normalise mental health discussions.

Volunteer or Donate:

  • Support charities like National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS) or the Royal British Legion by volunteering or donating to fund housing and mental health programs.
  • Participate in local initiatives, such as art therapy programs or job training workshops, to help veterans reintegrate.

Advocate for Policy Changes:

  • Push for the Ministry of Defence to collect comprehensive data on veteran homelessness and suicide to inform targeted interventions.
  • Support increased funding for programs like Operation Fortitude and the Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme to expand housing and mental health support.
  • Advocate for faster NHS mental health referrals, as delays (up to 14 weeks for some families) hinder timely support.

Support Employment and Housing Initiatives:

  • Encourage employers to offer veteran-specific job training and hiring programs, addressing the 48% of veterans who find civilian employment challenging.
  • Promote affordable housing schemes, like The Beacon in Catterick, which provides supported housing for homeless veterans with PTSD and substance misuse issues.

Foster Community Support:

  • Create or join peer support groups, such as “For The Fallen,” to provide emotional support for veterans and their families.
  • Engage with local councils to ensure veterans are prioritized for social housing, as they are exempt from local connection tests.

    Call to Action

    Men’s Health Month is an opportunity to shine a light on the struggles of male veterans in the UK, who face heightened risks of homelessness, PTSD, and suicide. By leveraging resources like Combat Stress, PTSD Resolution, and Samaritans, veterans can access critical support. Communities can make a difference by raising awareness, volunteering, and advocating for systemic change. Together, we can ensure that no veteran feels alone in their struggles. If you or a veteran you know needs help, reach out to the Veterans Crisis Hotline at 0800 731 4880 or contact one of the charities listed above. Let’s commit to making the UK a place where veterans are supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.

    Additional References