To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in the TRiM project for post-conflict trauma, depression and stress training; what the project’s budget is; where the project’s administration is located; and if he will make a statement. (226247)

The Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) system operates as a proactive, peer group mentoring and support system which aims to identify signs and symptoms and to manage the risk of any mental distress that may be suffered by individuals following a traumatic incident. It is not in itself a treatment programme. The initiative train teams of non-medical personnel from within units to recognise the signs and symptoms of mental distress and give advice to individuals on coping strategies and how to manage them or, where required, refer them for specialist help. The system has already been endorsed by both the Royal Navy and Army Chains of Command.

The allocated budget in Financial Year 2008-09 for all stress management training within the armed forces, which includes costs for TRiM training, is in the region of £1 million. Currently the administration for TRiM training is the responsibility of the individual single services.