Combat Stress News - Summer 2014

Summer 2014 www.combatstress.org.uk

The magazine of the Veterans' Mental Health Charity

Rules of engagement

Special help for Veterans

By Royal Appointment HRH The Prince of Wales and Sir Patrick Stewart support our work

women and War

Unsung heroines of World War I

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Healing journeys

Veterans find friendship and encouragement

It's our birthday!

95 years of Combat Stress

Contents Summer 2014

Welcome to Combat Stress News from our Chief Executive, Andrew Cameron

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he Summer is here and we are accelerating our vital work – helping our Veterans recover sufficiently to rebuild their lives – while reflecting on the wonderful continuing generosity of our supporters. Without your essential support we could not do what we do, let alone expand our services to meet the growing need.

In May, we celebrated 95 years of helping Veterans with mental ill-health resulting from their Service career. We are now recognised as expert providers of clinical care, with a proven track record of supporting those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety. We are also expanding to address substance misuse.

This year we are improving access to our services with rapid, expert assessment of Veterans’ needs and faster action to aid recovery. We aim to provide individual tailored support, joining up episodes of intense preparation and treatment with confidence building and well-being support, to encourage progress along the path to a much improved, independent life.

In this issue of Combat Stress News, there are some interesting stories about our evolution to a truly world class service (p8), the historical role of women as our founding mothers (p5), and a round-up of inspiring fundraising stories (p14). We hope you enjoy the issue.

Andrew Cameron C h i e f E x e c u t iv e

www.combatstress.org.uk

14 Inside this issue...

4

News

5

Remembrance

7

Leaving a legacy

8 Expert’s corner 9

5 things I’ve learnt

10

95 Years of Combat Stress

12 Case study: Michael Thornton 13 Regional news 14 Thank you!

16 Corporate support 17 Fundraising 18 Events round-up 19 A reason to give

12 17

£4,897 pays for one Community Outreach team (per week)

how you can help See pages 14-16 for inspiration

Combat Stress Tyrwhitt House, Oaklawn Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 0BX Helpline 0800 138 1619 General enquiries 01372 587 000 Email contactus@combatstress.org.uk Published by James Pembroke Publishing, Bath Combat Stress News © Combat Stress 2014 Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society.

Company registered in England and Wales No 256353, Charity No 206002, Charity Scotland No SC038828 Summer 2014 | combat stress | 3

Newssummer 2014

Happy birthday, Combat Stress!

How Combat Stress supports those Veterans who have returned from military service

57%

more Afghanistan Veterans sought mental health treatment in 2013

The majestic Royal Horse Artillery

660

A royal salute SUPPORTERS IN Northern Ireland were in for a real treat in April when they attended a 21 gun salute in honour of the birthday of Her Majesty The Queen in the grounds of Hillsborough Castle. The late Georgian mansion was built in the 1770s by Wills Hill, first Marquis of Downshire, but today it is the official residence of the Royal Family when they are in Northern Ireland.

Our Northern Ireland regional office is currently supporting

720 Veterans – the largest number of any of our 14 regional offices, and the largest number per head of population.

The Troubles in Northern Ireland have had a lasting impact on more than half of all the exService men and women we support throughout the UK. With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) bad memories are triggered and relived.

Those deployed in foreign lands may have a little less in their everyday

the number of Afghanistan Veterans Combat Stress is supporting environment to remind them of the conflict, but imagine living so close to the war zone that the threat still exists – and in an environment where it’s difficult to discuss a military career.

The distinctive nature of this deployment on British soil has been uniquely unnerving.

Combat Stress will continue to support those Veterans who served in or live in Northern Ireland with our special empathy and clinical expertise.

Combat Stress marks its 95th year On 12 May Combat Stress marked its 95th anniversary, having helped more than 100,000 ex-Service men and women across the UK rebuild their lives. Our Patron, HRH The Prince of Wales, commemorated the anniversary by hosting a reception at St James’s Palace in June where he met Veterans and supporters of Combat Stress. The Prince highlighted the charity’s achievements since being founded in 1919, as well as the need for Combat Stress to continue to provide specialist mental health care to ex-Service men and women. See also page 10.

More Veterans returning from conflict are contacting us

MORE VETERANS REACH OUT TO COMBAT STRESS

GARDEN PARTY ATTRACTS STARS THE GARDEN party of the year saw royalty and celebrities gather to raise money for Combat Stress during a day of T20 cricket. Former Defence Secretary Philip Hammond, Lord Freddie Windsor, Hugh Grant and Holliday Grainger were among the 400 guests at Flannels for Heroes, held at Burton Court, Royal Hospital Chelsea, in June. Hugh, playing for a team comprised of soldiers and Veterans, donned his whites to take to the field. Now in its fourth year, the event was conceived to support hero charities. Combat Stress and Walking With The Wounded benefited from this year’s tournament, sponsored by Dockers.

Actors Ruby Bentall and Ryan Sampson

Soldiers and Veterans donned cricket whites

Combat Stress released new figures earlier this year showing a substantial increase in the number of Veterans returning from Afghanistan seeking support from us.

There was a 57% increase in Afghanistan Veterans seeking mental health treatment in 2012-13, when new referrals rose to 358, up from 228 in 2012. Today we are supporting more than 660 Afghanistan Veterans. With troops withdrawing from Afghanistan this year, the number of Veterans needing treatment is likely to continue to increase.

If you would like to support Combat Stress call us on 01372 587 151 or email fundraising@combatstress.org.uk 4 | COMBAT STRESS | SUMMER 2014

WWW.COMBATSTRESS.ORG.UK

WORLD WAR I

WE WILL NEVER FORGET

British female ambulance drivers during the First World War

As we remember the First World War it’s important to note the contribution made by women who played a key role in founding the first incarnation of Combat Stress

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he centenary of the start of the First World War gives us all pause for thought. The year 1914 saw Charlie Chaplin’s film debut in Making A Living, as well as George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion open to rave reviews. In April, King George V became the first monarch to attend the FA Cup Final. By 22 August, the four infantry divisions and one cavalry division of the British Expeditionary Force had disembarked in France and taken up their positions near the fortress town of Maubeuge. They were the first wave of British soldiers to go to war. Between 1914 and 1918, 8.7 million men from the UK, Ireland and the dominions of the British Empire were deployed in the Great War. The unprecedented scale of the war left few able-bodied men in Britain.

At the time, most women didn’t work WWW.COMBATSTRESS.ORG.UK

outside the home. However, the nation was left with no choice but to allow women to take men’s places. Women were barred by law from joining most professions and were considered incapable of making decisions as they were ‘prone to being overwhelmed by responsibility’.

As broadcaster and journalist Kate Adie puts it, “The idea that men would shelter and protect women disappeared within the first few months of the war,” especially after the devastating death toll of women and children in Hartlepool and Scarborough during German attacks.

Women at work More than a million women worked during the war in occupations deemed unsuitable for the ‘fairer sex’, including coal mining, manufacturing dynamite and other munitions, farming, labouring

Women had to take on traditionally male jobs such as shipbuilding

SUMMER 2014 | COMBAT STRESS | 5

WORLD WAR I

“Our founding mothers kept those soldiers – trooping back from battle, bewildered and rejected – at the heart of everything they did” Hard at work at a munitions production factory in Chilwell, Nottinghamshire

and driving trams. They also picked up the slack in the civil service and clerical jobs, and filled many posts as nurses, both on the home and war fronts.

One group of such capable women saw the war through in a variety of roles but each witnessed the devastating impact of the war on the so-called ‘shell-shocked’ soldiers. They noticed that these men, often branded cowards and malingerers, were actually wounded too and were suffering in silence. Men might not have needed bandages or surgery but they had real injuries and deep psychological scars that were destroying their futures.

The British Army tried to deny many of the traumatised soldiers’ claims for a war pension, and most came home to find no help and no hope. But in 1919, within months of the Armistice in November 1918, the group of women had formed the Fellowship of Reconstruction and Welfare Bureau – soon to be renamed the ExServices Welfare Society, and today’s Combat Stress.

Our founding mothers were indeed far-sighted in recognising shell shock for what it was: PTSD. They offered practical support by fighting for war pensions to be re-instated, and

GET IN TOUCH – SOONER RATHER THAN LATER Commemorating the service and sacrifice of Veterans in the First World War brings mixed emotions – pride, sadness and profound gratitude – but it also makes us think how much has changed in the past 100 years.

Today, we recognise PTSD and the need to reduce the stigma of mental health problems. For Veterans recognising they should seek help often goes against the principles of self-reliance they have learnt in a military career.

At Combat Stress we want to make it as easy as possible to get help.

We reach out to Veterans with our 24-hour Helpline and offer a range of treatments, therapies and interventions across the UK. We are now working with some 5,400 Veterans and Reservists of many conflicts – 660 from the most recent conflict in Afghanistan.

The average age of our Veterans is 42, and typically they suffer

6 | COMBAT STRESS | SUMMER 2014

alone or in silence for 13 years before seeking help.

But post-Afghanistan, Veterans are approaching us sooner – within 18 months of leaving service – so we can help them sooner. It’s good news but it also means there is an increasing demand on our services.

We have re-doubled our fundraising efforts and work hard to ensure close collaboration with the NHS, sister charities and others in mental health care.

organised the first of our treatment centres to offer a space for recuperation and rehabilitation. Some 95 years later we have helped more than 100,000 exService men and women.

Founding spirit continues Today the Combat Stress workforce very much carries forward the spirit and ethos of the founders.

78% of the staff are women – from occupational therapists, desk officers, nurses, psychiatrists and counsellors to accountants, fundraisers, administrators and facilities managers – who work together to keep us functioning at our very best.

We rely too on the efforts of our volunteers, many of whom are the very image of our founders: women who recognise a need in their community, and take action to do something about it. With many competing calls on their time and energy, we’re eternally grateful to all our volunteers.

Our founding mothers kept those soldiers – trooping back from battle, bewildered and rejected – at the heart of everything they did, just as we do today. As the UK’s leading mental health charity for Veterans we know there is still much to be done.

When today’s Veterans need us, we will be there.

Anyone needing support – Serving personnel, Veterans, and their families – should contact our free 24-hour Helpline: 0800 138 1619 WWW.COMBATSTRESS.ORG.UK

WORLD WAR I

OTHER WAYS TO GIVE

Please visit our website to see other ways you can help

Leaving a legacy to us By leaving a gift to Combat Stress in your will, you can make a lasting impact on psychologically wounded ex-Service men and women

M

arking the 100th year since the outbreak of the First World War is a time of national reflection. Our minds turn to members of the Armed Forces community, all those who gave so much to help secure our freedom and way of life today.

From soldiers in the trenches to orderlies, nurses and factory workers, people were inspired to ‘join up’ or volunteer so their friends and families would survive the war. We also remember the part our families played in the war.

Grandparents and great-grandparents – many of whom lost brothers, fathers and sons – suffered but carried on.

At Combat Stress, everything we do is focused on our part of the military family – those with unseen scars. Like their shell-shocked comrades 100 years ago, Veterans carry wounds that can ruin their lives if allowed to go unhealed.

Our care and support comes in many forms and is delivered across the

As a charity, we rely on the generosity of those who leave a legacy

UK wherever it is needed. However, this comes at a cost – both emotional and fi nancial. The emotional costs we bear willingly; the dedication of our staff is unparalleled and we are rightly proud of them. The financial costs are considerable too and for this we rely in large part on the generosity of donors.

Legacies large and small One of the best ways you can help us to continue our work is to leave us a legacy in your will – no matter how large or small – to ensure we can continue to look after those ex-Service men and women who really need our support.

Making a will can be remarkably straightforward, and you may not even need to use a solicitor. After you have provided for your family and friends, you may decide to leave Combat Stress a specific sum of money or the ‘residue’ – a percentage of whatever is left – of your estate.

“We rely in large part on the generosity of donors”

If you have an existing will, you can easily add a codicil which includes Combat Stress in your giving (just be sure to include all our details, which are set out below). A bequest can even make your estate more tax efficient, as your charitable giving is deducted before inheritance tax is applied. Also, if you leave 10% or more of your estate to a charity, you’ll be taxed at a lower rate (36% rather than 40%) on any part of your estate that qualifies for inheritance tax.

We know that asking someone to remember Combat Stress in their will is a tall order, but the need is there, and the rewards are great. The Veterans we help today couldn’t be more grateful for the help we give them. We’re sure the Veterans of tomorrow – and there will be men and women who need our help for many years to come – will be just as deserving of our care and equally as thankful for it.

We’d like to express a huge thank you to everyone who supports our work. www.combatstress.org.uk/yourlegacy If you would like to receive a Legacy pack to find out more, or wish to inform us of your intentions, please complete and return the enclosed Legacy Form.

Combat Stress, Tyrwhitt House, Oaklawn Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 0BX Registered Charity Number (England & Wales) 206002; (Scotland) SC038828. Company limited by guarantee: Registration Number 256353

WWW.COMBATSTRESS.ORG.UK

SUMMER 2014 | COMBAT STRESS | 7

expert’s corner

Rules of engagement Veterans’ needs are at the heart of what Combat Stress does. We have developed our own ‘rules of engagement’ of how best we can support them

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ithin the Armed Forces, ‘engagement’ is a well-understood concept.

Off the battlefield, and back at home, engagement can be more elusive for the ex-Service man or woman. Reconnecting with family and friends and making a whole new life presents many challenges.

For Reservists, re-engaging with the workplace may bring some issues.

At Combat Stress we realise that many Veterans have the added burdens of psychological wounds.

Not being able to engage with a new ‘here and now’ also means a person finds it impossible to see a way out of their problems. Their old training tells them to be self-reliant, so they feel they should be able to cope and don’t ask for help. Veterans can become stuck in a world of anger, pain, depression and substance abuse.

Reaching out We’ve taken over some of that burden of engagement by reaching out to them with our 24-hour Helpline and our Community and Outreach teams. We aim to speak to Veterans in a language they understand and to guide them every step of the way of their treatment pathway. From initial contact with one of our Regional Welfare Officers, a well-trained ex-military man, to getting a detailed

Some Veterans find returning back home difficult

assessment from a qualified Mental Health Practitioner, we get alongside the Veteran.

The Regional Welfare Officers usually visit Veterans in their own homes – often the only way contact can be made – where we can get a good idea of how we should engage with that individual Veteran.

What support do they already have in place, are they getting their full entitlement to a war pension, and is their home suitable to aid their recovery?

If the Veteran can get out and about, we offer them support in the community through an Outreach clinic. For those who can’t leave the house we bring the treatment to them.

There are as many pathways to good mental health as

“There are as many pathways to good mental health as there are Veterans who need them” 8 | combat stress | SUMMER 2014

97%

there are Veterans who need them. At Combat Stress, we engage with each Veteran as an individual. For some 75% of the Veterans we help, PTSD is the primary diagnosis, with over half of this group having the extra burden of depression and substance misuse.

For them it means that they must first engage with their anger, pain, depression and alcohol problems before any attempt at dealing with their symptoms of trauma.

We’re pleased with interim results from a pilot scheme that draws on resources in the NHS and other thirdsector organisations to tackle substance misuse. We support the Veteran through that process and then move them on to the next steps along the recovery pathway.

Our trauma-focused therapies rely on proper engagement on all sides. We must ensure that the Veteran

of participants complete the PTSD intensive programme

is ready for treatment and the Veteran must engage fully with the prospect of reconnecting with traumatic experiences to move on.

For those who are not ready for that process, we have devised a care pathway that will prepare them for change.

Combat Stress has become the recognised leader in Veterans’ mental health by seeking to learn from and adapt our practice, and by listening to the Veterans in our care. We have devised our own rules of engagement, so to speak, which put the Veteran at the heart of what we do and enable us to help change so many lives. www.combatstress.org.uk

MEET OUR TEAM

5 things I’ve learnt Regional Welfare Officer Philip Shuttleworth MBE understands why it can be difficult for Veterans to make that crucial first call

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hen a Veteran takes those first few tough steps to get help from us, we know we need to get that initial contact right. Often they have been suffering the after-effects of psychological wounds for many years.

Many will call our Helpline or speak to someone at one of our three treatment centres.

Most Veterans will speak to a Regional Welfare Officer (RWO) who works as part of our national network of Community and Outreach teams. One such RWO is Philip Shuttleworth MBE, who joined us after 37 years in the Royal Marines. His patch covers Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Buckinghamshire, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire.

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WHY IS BEING AN EX-SERVICE MAN IMPORTANT IN YOUR WORK? I often meet Veterans in their own home and the first thing I do is seek to gain their trust.

Telling them about myself is an icebreaker and puts them at their ease. They know I am

able to empathise in a unique way and a bond develops.

2

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT NOT TO ‘SYMPATHISE’ WITH A VETERAN WHO’S BEEN THROUGH SO MUCH? The last thing a Veteran wants is someone to feel sorry for them. During the initial assessment, I engage with them and get a feel for how much they want to rebuild their life. I’m looking to partner with them, not lead them.

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WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE INITIAL ASSESSMENT? I write up my notes and we in the Community and Outreach team put together a tailormade package of care. This can include practical stuff like sorting out housing and pensions which I handle, while a Community Psychiatric Nurse or Mental Health Practitioner will carry out a psychological assessment. We then find the next ‘partner’ the Veteran will need. We contact the Veteran’s GP, the local NHS for specific health issues and, if

“Veterans know I am able to empathise with them in a unique way and a bond develops” WWW.COMBATSTRESS.ORG.UK

Philip Shuttleworth MBE

FELLOWSHIP AWARD

needed, our treatment centre clinicians for Veterans who are ready for our PTSD Intensive Treatment Programme.

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WHAT HAPPENS DURING TREATMENT?

We work with Veterans at home, in their communities, at our treatment centres and with our partner organisations.

For many Veterans it will be a life-long journey, and monthly meetings at ‘Drop In’ centres are proving enormously helpful.

Veterans come for extra welfare and practical support and one-to-one therapy. Their partners can come too, and we arrange for speakers to talk on subjects that matter to them.

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WHAT’S THE KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN A VETERAN AND COMBAT STRESS? In a word, trust. For an exService man or woman to ask for help is a tough call; for a Veteran with mental health problems, harder still. Once I gain their trust in that initial contact, the Community and Outreach team can bring together the right resources to help them lead a better and more fulfilling life.

The Combat Stress 24-hour Helpline is on 0800 138 1619

Andy Smith, one of our Community Psychiatric Nurses, was humbled to learn that he has been awarded a Winston Churchill Fellowship.

Andy will travel to Canada for six weeks to complete research and work with local Veterans’ community mental health services.

Andy is confident that the research will allow us to examine how we can use their knowledge and experience to enhance our own outreach services.

Andy would like to thank his colleagues in the Community and Outreach team in Northern Ireland for their overwhelming support.

The Fellowship receptio n

SUMMER 2014 | COMBAT STRESS | 9

WHAT IS THUNDERCLAP? Thunderclap works by sharing your news on social media and asking your followers to spread the message – then if you reach the audience target set, Thunderclap will release your message to everyone at a precise moment at a time of your choosing, thus maximising the impact. This form of raising awareness and fundraising is often referred to as ‘Crowdspeaking’ or ‘Crowdraising’.

Hollybush House staff and Veterans mark the 95th anniversary

Staff and Veterans at Tyrwhitt House release balloons

Clinical psychologist Dr Martyn Bignold cuts the birthday cake at Tyrwhitt House

MARKING OUR 95TH YEAR Combat Stress has been helping Veterans through their psychological injuries since 1919

O

n 12 May this year, we celebrated 95 years helping Veterans with psychological injuries.

It is poignant to note that our service began as a result of the First World War when many men returned from battle suffering from shell shock.

On our 95th anniversary we held special events at our treatment centres across Britain. We also released new statistics showing that our services are as vital today as they were after the First World War. In 2013 we saw a 57% rise in Afghanistan Veterans contacting us for help with their mental health. Raising awareness of the charity on social media is one of our key aims – after all, if more

people are aware of us, we’ll be able to keep helping more and more ex-Service men and women.

We’re happy to report that thanks to utilising social media tool Thunderclap, our latest campaign message was seen by 2 million people – our greatest audience ever. Here are some more stats from the day…

OUR 95TH BIRTHDAY IN NUMBERS... #CS95 hashtag produced

2.2M views!

48.6M total views on Twitter

372

more followers on Twitter

1,667 Likes on Facebook

“Raising awareness on social media is one of our key aims – if more people are aware of us, we’ll be able to keep helping more Veterans”

51,000

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WWW.COMBATSTRESS.ORG.UK

views on Facebook

STAR SUPPORTER

“I’m proud to be your Ambassador” Actor Sir Patrick Stewart describes the personal journey he went on to become a supporter of our work

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became aware of Combat Stress the pain of two years ago when I was filming what had been an episode of Who Do You Think experienced You Are for the BBC. The episode or dissolve it took as its subject my father, Alfred in anger and Stewart, who served in the Second alcohol. The end World War. I learned from a newspaper result invariably cutting that after he was evacuated was a lifetime from France with the remnants of the spent suffering Patrick Stewart: ‘The work of British Expeditionary Force in May alone and Combat Stress is so essential’ 1940, he was diagnosed as suffering seeing the from shell shock. This was entirely structure of unknown to my family. one’s life fall apart. the sufferer free and bring peace and When I discussed with Combat This is why the work of Combat stability into their lives.

Stress my experience of my father Stress has, for decades, been so I was very moved to hear the through the late 1940s and early essential. Never more so than now Patron of Combat Stress, His Royal 1950s I was told that the weekend as men and women, returning home Highness The Prince of Wales, tell alcoholism, the mood swings and the from war zones in Afghanistan and me recently of how a friend who occasional violence towards my mother Iraq deeply affected by what they had served in the Falklands War had were all classic symptoms have witnessed, fall prey to helped him to understand what PTSD of Post Traumatic Stress the undermining effects of was and why the work of Combat Disorder (PTSD). I became depression, anxiety Stress is so essential. determined to learn more and guilt.

I urge people to support the work about this condition and, There are no quick of Combat Stress as generously as pays for one as I did, my awareness fixes, no pills that in possible. These Veterans have served hour of Art Therapy a week can free the grew of its prevalence their country. Our duty now is to make for five Veterans among present day tormented from their pain certain that they can be helped to once Veterans. I was drawn to and despair. It takes time, more lead peaceful, active, proud lives the work of Combat Stress patience, expert care and as members of a compassionate and and, when asked, very proud to the right environment to set caring community. become an Ambassador.

Despite my father having family around him, he never sought help.

A psychological reaction to war experience was considered a shameful thing, not very far removed from front-line cowardice – better to conceal

£55

“I urge people to support the work of Combat Stress as generously as possible.

These Veterans have served their country”

WWW.COMBATSTRESS.ORG.UK

SUMMER 2014 | COMBAT STRESS | 11

Case study

A clean slate Michael Thornton’s healing journey took an important turn when he made an interesting discovery in the grounds of Hollybush House…

I

t wasn’t until Michael Thornton stumbled upon some broken slates that his mind truly connected with the possibility of healing.

However, it was another almost chance connection that led Michael to those slates in the first place.

Michael is not alone in suffering from PTSD from his time serving in Bosnia, Iraq and the Gulf. Now 50, married and a father of three, his life began to change for the worse five years after being discharged. “I started having flashbacks. The sound of a helicopter, fireworks – things like that – would set me off. I could be standing in my own back garden and suddenly I was back in Iraq where the grass turned to sand.”

The crucial call Too scared to sleep, he turned to drink to obliterate his symptoms, to block everything from his mind.

Michael’s wife Susan knew something was seriously wrong, so the couple got in touch with Combat Stress.

He was quickly assessed and sent on the residential PTSD Intensive Treatment Programme at Hollybush House, our treatment centre in Ayrshire. Michael worked closely with a therapist and, while on breaks from sessions, went outside to relax. “I loved walking around the grounds and woods,” he says. “One day I stumbled upon some broken slates. I stared at them and thought to myself ‘They’re broken… broken like me – and they need mending’.”

Making connections It’s a valuable connection to have made but nothing too out of the ordinary, you might think. What Michael did next was very special; he decided to embellish the slates with meaning.

Based on his knowledge of Native American culture

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1

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and proverbs, he decorated them with inspiring and healing messages for other Veterans to come across. He has since turned his spare room into a therapeutic studio where he paints slates, writes poetry and keeps a diary. He no longer drinks to excess, and is well on his way to recovery. “I’m so lucky to have such a supportive family, particularly my long-suffering wife Susan,” he says.

At Combat Stress, we see every day how seemingly small connections come together to create the healing pathway that each Veteran must travel. We will continue to do our part and hope that readers will do theirs, sharing stories like Michael’s far and wide so that other Veterans in need may connect with us sooner, rather than later.

1 Michael embellishes broken slates with inspiring messages 2 His slates have brought others a beacon of hope 3 Like other Veterans, Michael has found art a valuable aid to his recovery

“The slates were broken… broken like me – and they need mending” 12 | combat stress | SUMMER 2014

www.combatstress.org.uk

Regional news A round-up of how we’re helping Veterans across the UK

£125

pays for an hour with a psychiatrist

Trips aid recovery AS PART OF their recovery Veterans address the grief and loss that they have experienced.

This allows them to work through an often deep and troubling sadness in a safe and therapeutic environment. Nature can also provide a profoundly moving venue for this part of the healing process.

Mixing with other Veterans, some choose to visit the National Memorial Arboretum where they tap into their grief and allow feelings to surface.

Many Veterans attend a chapel service and hear the last post. They have time to reflect on how far they have come during moments of silence and leave feeling better for their time in the beautiful surroundings.

A change of scene can help emotions to surface

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION OF THE MANY therapies on offer to Veterans, Art Therapy brings unique and tangible benefits.

By allowing complete and safe freedom of expression, inner thoughts, emotions and memories are unlocked. From the fine arts to crafts, our Veterans have produced remarkable, beautiful and moving pieces in the course of Occupational Therapy or in down-time between other therapies and group sessions.

To see some of these inspiring works, visit the free exhibition ‘Getting Creative with Combat Stress’ at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Argyle Street, Glasgow, from 2 August to 16 November.

Art Therapy has proven healing benefits

Communing with nature THERAPISTS USE gardening to improve physical and mental health, as well as communication and problem-solving skills, vital to building resilience and well-being.

For some, the garden can be a safe and secure place to develop social skills, become more mindful, create routine and structure, and learn skills that could lead to a job. Being outdoors, engaged with nature and plants, has real, proven benefits.

Gardening is great for mental as well as physical health

Music group raises spirits OUR THERAPIST-LED music group has become very popular. We’ve found it lifts Veterans’ moods and raises spirits. The sessions light up the insula, the part of our brain that experiences emotions such as love, hate, pride and guilt – what it feels to be a human. It helps give rise to moral intuition, empathy and the capacity to respond emotionally to music. This explains why music can have a powerful emotional effect, making us feel sad or happy and wanting to sing or dance.

The group is a chance for Veterans to gather together and express how they feel, regardless of natural talent.

WHAT’S IN A NAME: FEEDBACK IN THE last issue of Combat Stress News, we asked your opinion on the name of our newsletter and to consider a few options we were considering changing to, such as Recovery Matters or CS News. Our replies were equally split between staying with Combat Stress News, and Recovery Matters. We will remain Combat Stress News for now and conduct further online research next year.

If you would like to support Combat Stress call us on 01372 587 140 or email fundraising@combatstress.org.uk WWW.COMBATSTRESS.ORG.UK

SUMMER 2014 | COMBAT STRESS | 13

Fundraising

Our supporters continue to amaze us with inventive and challenging ways to raise funds

Thank you!

Here are just some of the special people who have worked so hard to raise money for Combat Stress. A million thanks – you make such a difference Andrea Hickey Andrea set herself the challenge to climb four mountains for Combat Stress in 2014. To date, she has already trekked up Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis and raised £2,010.25 including Gift Aid. Her final climb up Machu Picchu is on 4 September.

To support her incredible challenge, head to: www.justgiving.com/ Andrea-Hickey1/

Tim Shapland Tim organised a series of sponsored walks around the UK, mostly on military sites.

Lots of volunteers joined in for various stages and in total he

Tim Shapland and friends get walking for Project Longstride

raised £20,116.97 (£21,565.86 including Gift Aid).

Ben Kane, Anthony Riches and Russell Whitfield – Romani Walk Italia Having walked the length of Hadrian’s Wall in 2013, the team completed a route from Capua to Rome in April this year, raising funds for us and Médecins Sans Frontières. This year’s total currently stands at £8,133.53 (£9,201.66 including Gift Aid).

Kevin Marlow and Colin Goldsworthy On 30 June, Kevin and Colin set off on an amazing challenge which has already raised over £8,000 for us.

They are cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats using traditional steel frame bikes and completing the Three Peaks Challenge on the way.

Colin turns 70 this year and was inspired to take on this event by his father Stan – a Veteran of the Second World War. Kevin has also served

in the military. They have been kindly supported by La Madeleine cafe in Hereford.

Sean Cassidy Medical student Sean decided to throw away the razor and go for a year without shaving his beard. Sean ended up with some great facial hair and over £1,300 for us.

Marathon marvels In April, we had 13 runners in the Brighton Marathon, including Josh Small who wore a 20kg backpack. The group raised over £11,000. One week later 19 runners participated in the London Marathon for us, raising over £19,000.

Feet of endurance Our 18 runners in the Edinburgh Marathon in May raised over £9,000. A special mention to Charlie Johnston who ran both London and Edinburgh Marathons.

Becky and Josh ran the Brighton Marathon

Bamford, George Graham and Michael Thompson – took on the Rovaniemi 150 Ultra Marathon. Held in Lapland, with temperatures as low as -30˚C, they finished the gruelling 150 km footrace and raised over £7,000 between them.

Sahara star Dan Allingham raised well over £1,000 running in this year’s Marathon des Sables, an ultra-marathon covering a total of 165 miles through the Sahara Desert over the course of five days.

In fine voice Ultra-challenging In February, three junior military doctors – Alexander

March saw the Swindon Male Voice Choir perform a superb concert with the Band of the

We are grateful to everyone who has given up their time and energy to fundraise on our behalf, and to everyone who has donated. Your stories and commitment are spectacular and we thank every one of you.

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FUNDRAISING

£11

An hour’s Art Therapy for one Veteran

A special thanks to…

RBLS Women’s Section have been fundraising and were proud to present our Regional Welfare Officer, Jim Lawrence, with £5,450 at their June AGM. Twins Harry and George Williamson collected £298 to mark their grandad’s 80th birthday.

Alexander Bamford, George Graham and Michael Thompson on the Arctic Ultra Marathon

The music flows freely at the Hollybush Fête!

Grenadier Guards to a soldout audience at the Steam Museum, Swindon, raising £2,582.13 for Combat Stress.

The right track Since 2003, Christopher Darwin has regularly organised Track Days in support of Combat Stress.

Over the years and with the help of participants, the track owners and local supporters, Christopher has managed to raise an extremely impressive £47k.

Elegant event In November 2013, the elegant University Lodges’ Ball was held at the Honourable Artillery Company in the City of London and raised £9,135 for Combat Stress. Our thanks

Charlie Johnston runs for Combat Stress

go to Daryn Hufton-Rees and Caroline Roddis for organising this splendid occasion.

Looking forward

Support from CIPD

The Armed Forces and Family Race Day at Wincanton Racecourse invites those within the Armed Forces, as well as Veterans and families, to enjoy the sport of horseracing. It also aims to provide a great day of racing, children’s entertainment, a beer festival, and fundraising activities for Combat Stress.

Come along and join in with the fun! www. wincantonracecourse. co.uk

CIPD (Scotland) invited Combat Stress to speak at its annual conference in Glasgow and, following a raffle on the evening and donation from Westfield Charitable Fund, chairman Donald Gordon was pleased to visit Hollybush House and present a cheque for £1,748.

Sporting support The Sportsman’s Charity held its annual dinner at Prestonfield House, Edinburgh, hosted by TV sports personality Dougie Donnelly.

Thanks to a fantastic auction, the organisers were thrilled to present us with over £25,000.

Fun at the Fête The Hollybush Fête was held in June and comedian Fred MacAulay opened the event and announced the entertainment. There was a wide array of stalls and attractions on display. The Hillbillies MCC (Motor Cycle Club) were joined this year by members of the Lycan Clan MCC and presented a cheque for £1,750.

Hampstead Garden Suburb Winter Fair is on 1 November at 11 am at the Free Church Hall, London, NW11. The organisers hope to break last year’s record of £4,990. Everyone is welcome and please do get in touch if you’d like to help our friendly ‘army’ of volunteers. Email jo.grace@combatstress.org.uk Farnham Pilgrim Marathon and Half-Marathon have chosen Combat Stress as the main charity to benefit from September’s twin events taking place in Surrey. Entry is £29 for the full marathon and £24 for the half. Find details of how to sign up at www. farnhampilgrim.org.uk

The ladies of the Edinburgh Decorative and Fine Arts Society donated £5,000, after choosing us as their charity this year.

Thank you!

Angus 4 Forces organisers, Chic and Barbara Grant, held their annual ball in Carnoustie and, as a result, were able to hand over a cheque for £1,750.

Thank you to the Shropshire Masonic Charitable Association for presenting us with a cheque for £1,000 and to the Newport Rotary Club for donating £850.

Darren Pamplin, Airsoft sports team, and all involved with the Newport Carnival for supporting us and allowing us to have a stall. In total, £588.49 was raised on the day.

We were delighted to receive £2,200 from the Galloway Fisheries Trust annual fish supper and auction evening.

A special thanks to 10-year-old Sophia Lakin who hiked for four hours in Gibraltar to raise £650 for us!

If you would like to support Combat Stress call us on 01372 587 140 or email fundraising@combatstress.org.uk WWW.COMBATSTRESS.ORG.UK

SUMMER 2014 | COMBAT STRESS | 15

Our supporters

£11,200

pays for a Short Stay Intensive Programme for two Veterans

How our work is helped by companies

Workplace wonders From epic cycle rides to kayaking around the Kent coastline, we’re grateful for the fantastic fundraising endeavours of UK employees The inspirational Challenge SGM team

AWESOME ACTIVITIES SLEEPING GIANT MEDIA, a dynamic search and social marketing agency in Kent, has chosen Combat Stress to benefit from its courageous employees’ fundraising activities.

Throughout the year, the Challenge SGM team is

running, kayaking, hiking and even gaming to raise vital funds. Its biggest challenge is a 150-mile kayaking adventure around the Kent coastline in July.

We are so impressed by the team’s efforts, which we're keeping

up with online. You can too by clicking on www.youtube.com/ watch?v=dY2jxH8kfdY or searching for "Challenge SGM YouTube".

BLACK TIE BOOST ON 26 MAY Compass Group UK & Ireland hosted a black tie dinner in aid of Combat Stress and SSAFA. Held at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, the event raised an estimated £25,000 for us. Guests included Anna Soubry MP and Lieutenant-General Andrew Gregory CB, Chief of Defence Personnel. The Combined Services Culinary Arts Team prepared an excellent meal, while the Royal Artillery Band and the Salon Orchestra of the Central Band of the RAF kept guests entertained.

Riding high for Combat Stress IN JUNE, 36 cyclists from Tullow Oil held a First World War centenary cycle ride raising over £15,000 for Combat Stress, and additional funds for a mental health charity in Dublin. The ride, starting in Brussels, took four days and racked up over 250 miles.

The team cycled past military bases, commemorative sites and even made a pit stop at our treatment centre in Surrey before tackling the final leg of their trip to London. One of our colleagues, Richard Burley, and a Veteran currently receiving treatment at Tyrwhitt House in Surrey joined the team for the final 25 km.

The ride ended with a charity BBQ and fun day at Tullow Oil's offices in Chiswick. It was a pleasure to work with such a warm, friendly and brave team and we hope to do so again.

The Tullow Oil cycling team

GREAT ACHIEVEMENT WE ARE the official charity partner of Rewards for Forces discount service, 2014-15. Thank you to everyone who voted for us.

Charity of the Year SELEX ES apprentices have picked Combat Stress to benefit from their fundraising activities throughout the First World War centenary year.

MUSIC: A ‘SUPREME’ THERAPY IN NOVEMBER 2013 Supreme Group, a global leader in the provision of end to end supply chain solutions, made a donation of £5,000 to fund a Music Therapy project as part of the Well-being and Recovery Occupational Therapy Programme at Combat Stress. Supreme is proud to support the Service men, women and families of the British Armed Forces, both on the front lines and at home. Their donation goes towards funding essential services that are important lifelines for people with physical, emotional or psychological wounds.

If you would like to support corporate fundraising call 01372 587 158 or email fundraising@combatstress.org.uk 16 | COMBAT STRESS | SUMMER 2014

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FUNDRAISING

One of the beautiful poppies that will go on display

FIRESIDE CHAT

Poppies at the Tower

O

n 5 August, 100 years since the first full day of Britain’s involvement in the First World War, ceramic poppies will start to fill the Tower of London's famous dry moat, creating a display to inspire personal reflection on the British and Colonial soldiers who gave their lives.

This major new installation, 'Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red', runs from 5 August to 11 November 2014.

Each poppy will be available to buy for £25 (plus p&p) from 5 August 2014. Ten percent from each poppy, plus all net proceeds, which we hope will amount to millions of pounds if all poppies are sold, will be shared equally amongst six service charities, including Combat Stress. To register your interest in purchasing your beautiful poppy,

handmade in the studio of artist Paul Cummins, please visit www.hrp.org.uk/ TowerOfLondon/stories/firstworldwar/ TheTowerofLondonRemembers Fujitsu, a major supplier to the military for nearly 50 years, understands the importance of the work that Combat Stress provides to those who used to serve and their families. Fujitsu has had a fantastic employee staff response to the poppy planting volunteering project.

On 23 July, over 200 Fujitsu volunteers, along with Combat Stress employees, collaborated to bring the iconic installation to life, and we would like to thank everyone who volunteered.

Combat Stress was invited to Dell’s European Head Office in Bracknell, where Richard Burley, our Chief Information Officer, took part in a special event called ‘Outside Insights’, hosted by Roger Brewer, Dell UK Sales Director. Outside Insight events are designed for Dell team members to hear first-hand how their solutions are used by their customers.

Richard shared his personal experience of working with Dell and spoke passionately about the technology and solutions we use. The session ended with rousing applause and an announcement by Roger that Dell would donate ten tickets for Combat Stress Veterans to attend the Rugby Sevens match at the Commonwealth Games.

If you would like to support corporate fundraising call 01372 587 158 or email fundraising@combatstress.org.uk WWW.COMBATSTRESS.ORG.UK

SUMMER 2014 | COMBAT STRESS | 17

UPCOMING EVENTS

Something for everyone

Armistice lecture The annual Armistice lecture at the Royal United Services Institute in Whitehall is on Tuesday 4 November. Our speaker, Martin Bell OBE, will reflect on the Great War centenary and his 50-year career in the 'unquiet corners of the world' in his lecture, 'Some Lessons of War'.

In our 95th year, the calendar is full of events.

Come along and help us raise awareness and funds Our 11 September event will commemorate the First World War

An evening of culture THIS YEAR the nation commemorates the centenary of the First World War. Combat Stress will mark the event by hosting an evening of poignant music, poetry and readings on Thursday 11 September.

In the elegant surroundings of St John’s Smith Square we will re-tell the story of

the war from its initial outbreak in August 1914 to the signing of the Armistice in November 1918.

We will pay tribute both to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who returned with psychological and physical wounds.

Scottish summer and autumn lectures THIS AUGUST the summer Scottish lecture at Edinburgh Napier University is presented by Neil Oliver – archaeologist, historian, author and broadcaster.

Fittingly, the lecture will be held at Craiglockhart

Campus, the site of Craiglockhart War Hospital where Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen, arguably two of the greatest war poets, first met. The autumn lecture, in October, will be held at Edinburgh's

‘Aiming’ to raise awareness Spend a day clay shooting

Merchant’s Hall – the speaker is still under wraps so keep checking the website for updates: www.combat stress.org. uk/supportus/events

Martin Bell will be our speaker

Christmas carols The popular Festival of Lessons and Carols for Christmas will again be held at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, where our supporters can celebrate Christmas and enjoy an evening of music and readings in a truly beautiful and unique setting.

For our friends further north, we have a carol concert at RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire. More details nearer the time.

£5,600

A two-week Short Stay Intensive Programme

JOIN US for an unforgettable day at the Royal Berkshire Shooting School on 25 September.

Whether you're a novice or a seasoned shot, join teams from the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force and UK Reserves for a fantastic day of friendly competition at this year’s clay shoot.

With instructors on hand, the shooting school is a great way to try something new or improve your shooting skills. The Service teams will, as always, bring the banter and provide the chance to hear what life is really like in the Forces.

Celebrate Christmas with an evening of music

For more info on any of these events, contact Victoria Monks on 01372 587 148 or victoria.monks@combatstress.org.uk 18 | COMBAT STRESS | SUMMER 2014

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FUNDRAISING

Giving a gift to a Veteran is as easy as 1-2-3…

1.

Ruth and the Magnificent Seven are inspiring and dedicated fundraisers for Combat Stress

Ruth and the Magnificent 7 Like many successes, the Winter Fair had humble beginnings, but deep roots. Ruth Smith’s parents both supported the Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society, as Combat Stress was previously known.

Her father, a former Royal Engineer and her mother, a Wren, both saw service in World War Two. Her father was at the Battle of Monte Cassino and her mother worked at Bletchley Park. When Ruth’s father passed away in 1997, her mother suggested making a collection for the charity.

In the subsequent years, Ruth wished to remember her father by fundraising for us. She began with guided walks of her area, Hampstead Garden Suburb. Then with the help of her friend, Pamela Marenbach, she organised a ‘coffee and rummage sale’ in 2008 – and raised £150. They moved to a local hall and the fair became an annual event taking place on the Saturday before Remembrance Sunday. Joined in 2012 by the ‘Magnificent Seven’ Committee, the fair has a combination of ‘fundraising’ tables full of donated goods (100% of the proceeds go to Combat Stress) and the ‘paying’ tables where crafts people pay a fee of £30 (to Combat Stress) to sell their goods.

Ruth says that the talents and dedication of the committee are the key to their success. They are friends and share the preparation from gathering and pricing goods to designing posters and lots more. The fair has excellent support from the local community and wonderful volunteers who are keen to support Combat Stress and give their time very generously. Ruth says: “We have a duty to care for our ex-Services personnel – who have served their country with great dedication.”

Martin Bell, broadcaster, war correspondent and former MP, has generously supported this event for the past four years and has once again kindly agreed to open the Fair – on Saturday 1 November, 11 am, at the Free Church Hall, Northway, Hampstead Garden Suburb, London NW11 6PB. The committee hopes to break last year’s record fundraising total of £4,990. Everyone is most welcome, and please do get in touch if you’d like to help the friendly ‘army’ of volunteers. Simply email fundraising@combatstress.org.uk

19 | COMBAT STRESS | SUMMER 2014

Call us to use your credit card or set up a monthly Direct Debit: 01372 587 151

2. Donate online: www.combatstress.org.uk/donate 3. Send us a cheque or credit card donation: FREEPOST SW3850 Tyrwhitt House, Oaklawn Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 0BR Full name Home address

Postcode Email Please tick this box if you’re happy to receive emails from Combat Stress I wish to help Combat Stress provide care and support to ex-Service men and women so that they can cope with their trauma and reclaim their lives.

• Our Community and Outreach Teams help Veterans at home and in the community.

• Our three treatment centres provide both residential treatment and outpatient facilities.

PLEASE FIND ENCLOSED MY DONATION OF £ I enclose a cheque / postal order / CAF voucher made payable to Combat Stress.

OR please debit my: credit / debit / CAF card (delete as appropriate)

CARD NO: EXPIRY DATE: (mm/yy)

START DATE: (mm/yy)

SECURITY CODE: (last 3 digits of the number on the signature strip) ISSUE NO:

SIGNATURE:

CARDHOLDER’S NAME: Please tick this box if you would like to receive a thank you letter.

SUNL14

GIFT AID DECLARATION Please tick this box if you are not a UK Tax Payer Please treat as Gift Aid donations all qualifying gifts of money made

I confirm I have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for each tax year (6 April to 5 April) that is at least equal to the amount of tax that all the charities or Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) that I donate to will reclaim on my gifts for that tax year. I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify. I understand the charity will reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 that I give on or after 01 April 2010.

Please notify the charity or CASC if you: • Want to cancel this declaration.

• Change your name or home address.

• No longer pay sufficient tax on your income and/or capital gains.

If you pay Income Tax at the higher or additional rate and want to receive the additional tax relief due to you, you must include all your Gift Aid donations on your Self Assessment tax return or ask HM Revenue and Customs to adjust your tax code.

You may also make the declaration by telephone, by fax or by email to the numbers below, in which case confirmation of the arrangement will be sent to you. The declaration will be held on file by the charity for its own fundraising purposes only.

Telephone 01372 587 153; fax 01372 587 141 or email rachel.kulsdom@combatstress.org.uk Combat Stress, Tyrwhitt House, Oaklawn Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 0BX Registered Charity Number (England & Wales) 206002; (Scotland) SC038828 Company limited by guarantee: Registration Number 256353

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We win too

BY JOINING through Combat Stress you are pledging up to 50p of every £1 from your entries to us each time you play. The remainder goes towards providing prize money and covering administration costs.

Your entries each week will help provide essential help and support for those who need it, when they need it.

Please visit www.theforceslottery.com or call the Forces Lottery Hotline on 0870 050 5891 to start playing today.

You may receive a phone call in the coming weeks about the Forces Lottery.

If you do not wish to be called please do contact us. (If you have already requested no phone calls, this will be respected.)

These calls have already had a fantastic response though – when one new lottery customer understood the charitable objectives of the Forces lottery, she then asked to make a donation of £1,000 in her son’s memory.

We are sincerely grateful to all our supporters, including the following:

If you would like to support Combat Stress call us on 01372 587 140 or email support@combatstress.org.uk

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