![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/parents-call-for-mental-health-reform-after-veteran-son-30-takes-his-own-life/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/1_LANCS_Ben-Riches.jpg&description=Caroline Riches, from Fleetwood, called mental health services "not fit for purpose" after her son Ben Riches tragically took his own life after returning from active dutyBen Riches was a hero The parents of a war hero who tragically took his own life after coming home have called for reform to mental health services. Mum Caroline Riches called mental health services "not fit for purpose" when her son Ben Riches took his own life after his mental health deteriorated. Ben, 30, was found dead at his home in April 2019 just five years after being discharged from the army, an inquest has heard. Ben served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, distinguishing himself in his very first tour when he selflessly gave his last sandbag to the driver of his military vehicle which ended up saving his life. He had joined the army at only 16 years old, serving in Afghanistan in 2010 before being discharged in 2014, when he returned home to Fleetwood, LancashireLive reports. Tory failures to recognise Cold War heroes in medical cover up an 'insult' Ben's parents Kevin and Carolyn Riches Ben Riches was stationed in Iraq from November 2007 Speaking outside the hearing and after the verdict, Ben's grieving father Kevin Riches, an RAF and TA veteran himself, said: 'Ben was the life and soul. He lit up the room. To lose him in the way that we did - we are still trying to understand.' Mr Riches added: 'He was strong-minded. I found this is the same with everyone who has served in the forces. "I think that is something if we're going to move forward, with veterans' suicide prevention, we have to persuade these people that there's nothing wrong with talking to a GP. "There's nothing wrong with making that telephone call, and they will feel better when they start talking and accepting it.' Ben Riches once selflessly gave his last sandbag to the driver of his military vehicle - it ended up saving his life He continued: 'I've worked a lot over the past few years with veterans with mental health issues){kind=link}
Caroline Riches, from Fleetwood, called mental health services “not fit for purpose” after her son Ben Riches tragically took his own life after returning from active duty
The parents of a war hero who tragically took his own life after coming home have called for reform to mental health services.
Mum Caroline Riches called mental health services “not fit for purpose” when her son Ben Riches took his own life after his mental health deteriorated.
Ben, 30, was found dead at his home in April 2019 just five years after being discharged from the army, an inquest has heard.
Ben served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, distinguishing himself in his very first tour when he selflessly gave his last sandbag to the driver of his military vehicle which ended up saving his life.