Princes back new trust for troops

A CHARITABLE trust set up to help soldiers make a successful transition to civilian life will be launched today with the backing of £35 million and the support of the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry.

Funding from the Big Lottery Fund means the Forces in Mind Trust (FIMT), which has been given partnership support from the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry, will begin helping veterans and ex-service personnel this week.

The FIMT, a partnership of UK forces charities and mental health organisations, led by the Confederation of Service Charities, is launching on the same day that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attend the UK premiere of the film War Horse in London.

The couple will be joined by 600 serving and former military personnel and their families, including beneficiaries of military charities, at the premiere in aid of the royal brothers’ foundation.

The FIMT aims to provide UK-wide long-term support and advice during the next 20 years to ex-service personnel who wish to ease back into everyday life after experiencing action on the front line.

It says soldiers and their families can experience poor mental health, family breakdown and alcohol-related problems as they attempt to settle back into civilian life.