AFC0019

Written evidence submitted anonymously.

Introduction

This submission outlines the personal experience of a family residing in [Redacted], highlighting the impact of the Armed Forces Covenant within the [Redacted] Trust area. The testimony focuses on the challenges faced in accessing CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) for a child and the subsequent support received under the Covenant.

Personal Testimony

In 2021, my son, aged 7, was identified as needing an assessment through CAMHS. We were living in [Redacted] and had been waiting for a letter to confirm an appointment for six months. This delay had become an enduring issue, putting significant strain on our family, especially as I, the mother, was often away due to my Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS) commitments. After six months of waiting, we received a letter from the Trust stating that we would have to wait another 18 months for an appointment. Reading the letter, I knew with complete certainty that we would not be in the area by that time.

Fortunately, a neighbour who was a doctor advised me to write to CAMHS and to also cc in the Armed Forces Champion, stating our fear that we would be moved to another area for my next job and our son would drop to the bottom of another waiting list. I checked the Armed Forces Covenant status of the Trust and noted it was also an ERS Silver award holder. I replied, raising this, and very quickly, my son's case was prioritised on the waiting list. My son was assessed and received a diagnosis for a neurological disorder, which allowed us to access the support and treatment he needed.

Impact of the Armed Forces Covenant

The Armed Forces Covenant played a crucial role in addressing our situation. As a family with a member serving in the armed forces, we were entitled to additional support under the Covenant. The Covenant ensured that our son's needs were prioritised, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by armed forces families. This support not only alleviated the immediate strain on our family but also provided us with a sense of reassurance and stability during a challenging period.

Conclusion

Our experience underscores the importance of the Armed Forces Covenant in providing timely and effective support to military families within the [Redacted] Trust area. The Covenant's provisions were instrumental in ensuring that our son's CAMHS assessment was conducted without further delay, highlighting the positive impact of this initiative on the well-being of armed forces families. The system worked well for a Trust located in an area with a visible military family presence.

16th January 2025