These pages give further info on our services — both in Treatment Centres and through the Outreach Teams.
InTouch WWW.COMBATSTRESS.ORG.UK | SPRING 2013
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elcome to two firsts: the first time we have included all the Veterans we support in the mailing of our newsletter and the first time we have included a special In Touch insert. In Touch gives further information on our services — both in the Treatment Centres and through the Community Outreach Service. In future, we will also include articles on any relevant welfare changes, for example, to benefits or the War Pension Scheme.
Veterans helped by PTSD Intensive Treatment Programme The PTSD Intensive Treatment Programme is paid for by the NHS in England but run by us. It was launched at our Surrey Treatment Centre, Tyrwhitt
2012, extended it so that it runs at our two other Treatment Centres: Audley Court in Shropshire and Hollybush House in Ayrshire. To deliver the programme called for a significant change in There have been the way that services significant successes are delivered and with the programme involved a huge amount of work by House, in September the Treatment Centre 2011, to provide staff and, in some cases, intensive treatment extra training. and rehabilitation for Not every Veteran Veterans with severe Post is suitable for the Traumatic Stress Disorder. programme. Your needs Many of you will have may be better suited to heard of this programme, one of the many other been assessed for it or treatment and support even been on one of the services we offer. In order courses. For those of you to ensure suitability, an who have not heard much initial assessment takes about this, we hope this place — this may be in article is helpful. an outpatient clinic We started the or you may be asked programme at Tyrwhitt to attend one of our House and, in Treatment Centres for September an overnight stay.
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A warm atmosphere The programme runs between 9am and 5pm during weekdays and is designed as a ‘course’, which Veterans have told us feels similar to attending a Military Service Course. There is a warm, informal atmosphere throughout. So far the outcomes are good, the NHS are pleased with the work we are doing and, as Neil’s story (right) shows, there have been significant successes with those who have attended the programme. For those of you who have not experienced this programme, perhaps because six weeks is too long to be away from work or family, or because clinical staff believe that other treatment would be better suited to you, there are alternatives in development.
Neil’s experience of the PTSD Intensive Treatment Programme Neil began serving in the Royal Navy in 1979 and later joined the Intelligence Services. The traumas he underwent led to severe PTSD: “I heard about Combat Stress through friends and called them. They said, ‘We are not interested in where you’ve been or what you’ve done. We are interested in how we can help.’ It was music to my ears. “I went to Tyrwhitt House for a week’s bespoke treatment and then went on the six-week intensive course, where I had help from psychologists, psychiatrists, trauma therapists, everything. “It changed my life. I’d not slept for 20 years and to suddenly be able to, that’s worth more than money. Before I was having four to five nightmares a week and 14 flashbacks on average. They’ve never occurred since. “I’m very excited about the future and it’s thanks to Combat Stress.”
The Combat Stress Quiz
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What year was Combat Stress founded?
By what name did Combat Stress used to be known?
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Who is the Patron of Combat Stress?
Who is our Surrey Treatment Centre named after?
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Which ex-EastEnders actor recently filmed a documentary to raise awareness of Veterans’ mental health issues? (See reverse for answers.)
We’d really like to know what you think about this newsletter — please email your comments to feedback@combatstress.org.uk