This week is Armed Forces Week; an important annual occasion to highlight our support for the Armed Forces community, from serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.

An official flag-raising ceremony will be taking place in the grounds of the Palace of Westminster to mark the start of Parliament’s celebration and thanks to our Armed Forces.

This year Saturday 24th June marks Armed Forces Day. After events throughout the week at Westminster, in Crawley on Armed Forces Day we will have the opportunity to offer our own gratitude to those who serve.

As an elected Member of Parliament, I am very much aware that we would be unable to vote for our Members of Parliament, nor have such robust debates in the House of Commons, were it not for our Armed Forces who protect our way of life every day.

It is vital that this appreciation is reflected in public policy and the actions of government.

Only last week I attended an event marking the 41st anniversary of the liberation of the Falkland Islands in 1982, where we honoured the sacrifices of our military personnel.

Over the course of the last year I have followed up with a number of ministers over provision for our military veterans.

One issue I raised with the Veterans’ Affairs Minister is that of Government support for Armed Forces charities to increase provision of veterans’ mental health and suicide prevention initiatives.

Op COURAGE is an NHS mental health specialist service which provides support to serving personnel due to leave the military, reservists, Armed Forces veterans as well as their families, including former members of the Armed Forces even if they left some years ago.

In the south east of England, Op COURAGE can be contacted by calling: 0300 365 2000 (option 4) or via email: gateway@berkshire.nhs.uk.

I have been pleased to meet with Help for Heroes in Parliament and have followed up on some of the issues they have highlighted to me with the Government.

My thanks as well to the Crawley & Horsham Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club who provide such important support for veterans locally.

In line with the manifesto which I stood on at the last General Election, the Government’s Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative offers guarantees of interviews in the civil service for veterans, boosting the employment chances of those who have served.

In addition, companies employing veterans can claim National Insurance contributions relief for veterans they have hired during their first year of civilian employment.

We must continue to ensure our Armed Forces veterans get the support they deserve all year round.

Henry Smith MP