A VETERANS’ charity has been forced to stop new referrals due to a lack of funding.

Combat Stress, a mental health charity for military veterans, has seen its income fall from £16m to £10m in the current financial year. This is partly down to NHS funding support cuts but the charity is receiving approximately 2,000 referrals for treatment a year.

The actions have been criticised by Stephanie Peacock, MP for Barnsley East and Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Office and Procurement. She said: “It’s an outrage that such a crucial service is now dependent on public donations for 90 per cent of its funding.

“Our veterans deserve the best mental health care for the bravery and dedication they have shown serving our country. Right now, they are being let down by this government.

“I will continue to push for the resources and funding our veterans and their families need to enjoy life, not simply survive.”

The charity’s president and former head of the Army, General Sir Peter Wall, said: “We all have a responsibility to sort this out.”