A PIONEERING clinic will provide specialist treatment for retired military personnel battling mental illnesses triggered by their combat experiences.

The South Central Veterans Mental Health Service (SCVS) will provide therapy for ex-servicemen and women suffering post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety when it opens in Erleigh Road, east Reading, in the New Year. Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BHFT) is running the �600,000 scheme on behalf of South Central NHS, and was promoting it this week in the run-up to Armistice Day.

BHFT chairman John Hedger said: "The NHS is responsible for the health needs of all veterans after they finish their military service.

"Most go on to lead healthy lives but some will develop mental health conditions. For these veterans, assessment and support has, so far, been uneven. We want to encourage veterans to seek help. Their assessment and support and appropriate treatment will be a priority for the NHS."

More than a quarter (27.2%) of British veterans suffer mental disorders which leave them vulnerable to homelessness, crime and drug and alcohol misuse, but Mr Hedger claimed illnesses can remain undiagnosed for between eight and 12 years.

The centre's six therapists will provide counselling and specialist treatment for individuals referred from Berkshire and will host outreach clinics to train mental health teams working elsewhere in the South Central region.

They will also liaise with the police, prison services, magistrates, GPs, military welfare groups, and other organisations with whom veterans may be in touch in a bid to help rebuild their lives.

Consultant clinical psychologist Dr Deborah Lee said: "Ex-military personnel might prefer to suffer in silence rather than admit they need help. We want to break down that stigma and ensure that everything that can be done for them will be done."

Combat Stress is among the charities supporting BHFT and its director, Lieutenant Colonel Peter Poole, said: "We will be glad to help with this new initiative so that the NHS and other agencies understand veterans and they can access the health services they need - both mental and physical."

Brian Lewendon, press officer for the Royal British Legion Tilehurst branch said: "Soldiers need all the access to help they can get, especially if they are suffering from trauma. Let's support this service."