THIS spring marks the 30th anniversary of the Falklands War.

In 1982, the battle to recapture the Falkland Islands cost 255 British lives. It is a conflict that remains in the minds of the soldiers, sailors and airmen who were involved.

All remember their comrades who didn’t return, but for some the memories have become too painful.

It is a tragic fact that more Falklands’ veterans have taken their own lives since the war than died during the conflict itself.

As we remember the bravery of all those who fought in the Falklands, we should also remember that the scars of war can be both physical and mental and often remain long after a conflict is over.

Even the daily pressures of life in our forces can bring additional stresses and problems for individuals and their families.

Last year alone, the Oxfordshire branch of the military charity SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) Forces Help assisted 438 members of the forces community in the area, including veterans of all ages.

We are here for them and their dependants, whether their problems have been caused by the conflict or not.

If you have, or someone you know has, ever served in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force then SSAFA Forces Help Oxfordshire is here to provide practical, emotional or financial support.

MIKE MOGRIDGE, Oxfordshire branch secretary SSAFA Forces Help