From Antony Cotton, SSAFA ambassador and Coronation Street actor:

As an ambassador for SSAFA, the armed forces charity, I would like to bring to readers’ attention some recent research the charity has carried out, which looks at loneliness and isolation experienced by working-aged veterans on the Isle of Wight.

Many of my closest friends are from the forces community — both currently serving and veterans.

The research shows an alarming rate of isolation and despondency among younger veterans. More than a third reported they felt overwhelmed by negative feelings since leaving the armed forces and just over a quarter had experienced suicidal thoughts.

Reasons for this isolation include losing touch with friends and colleagues in the forces, physical or mental health issues and struggling to relate to people in civilian life. In fact, a third of veterans agreed it was difficult to open up to people from a non-military background and almost a quarter admitted to struggling to fit into civilian life.

I encourage any local veterans who are struggling, to come forward and get help from SSAFA. Please visit ssafa.org.uk/fight. It has been providing lifelong support to our forces and their families since 1885.