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
1 2
What year was Combat Stress founded?
By what name did Combat Stress used to be known?
3 4
Who is the Patron of Combat Stress?
Who is our Surrey Treatment Centre named after?
5
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
News round-up
BREAK CENTRES
the spotlight. After filming,
Walk, walk4life.info
Thanks to those of you who
Ross kindly took the time to
contributed stories and poems
pose for pictures and sign
to the anthology Courage and
autographs, later commenting:
Strength. Your honesty and
“The haunting trauma of war
creativity has created a book
can be carried for many years.
that is profoundly moving,
I hope this documentary will
whilst also raising valuable
go some way to address the
funds for Combat Stress. For
issues, stigmas and ways
details on how to purchase a
in which we can help those
copy, please see page 3 of the
suffering, safeguarding them
accompanying magazine.
for the future.”
Audley Court: Railway Line Walk, newportshropshire.2day.ws Hollybush House: Hollybush Doon River Walk, ayrshirepaths.org.uk Follow the above links for more information on local walks and activities or speak with Activities Centre staff at your Treatment Centre.
Ross Kemp
Stigma and Veterans’ mental health In November, an amazing 364 of you took part in our online survey that helps us to understand attitudes towards psychological injuries and the challenges faced by Veterans
The Invisible Wounded
today — thank you! We’ll be
Last year, we were pleased
sharing our findings via our
to welcome Ross Kemp to
website soon.
Tyrwhitt House for the making of the powerful documentary
Spring in your step
The Invisible Wounded, about
As the days grow longer
the difficulties that some face
and the temperature warms,
when they leave the Services.
why not try one of the many
We are enormously thankful
scenic walks located around
to Franco, Lee and Simon
our Treatment Centres during
for bravely sharing their
your stay. Here are a few of
experiences on camera, and to
our favourites:
Ross for bringing the mental health needs of Veterans into
Tyrwhitt House: Great Bookham Common Butterfly
Thank you! Shards of Hope We would like to thank all of you who submitted artwork and poems for the Shards of Hope exhibition held at Guildford Cathedral. The works you generously shared gave a rare insight into the experiences of military Veterans suffering a psychological injury. The event raised awareness of Veterans’ mental health issues and three paintings were sold!
NEWS
From a Veteran to a Veteran Hello old friend, how are you. I thought I’d write to you. I have been talking to time and he agrees that it is time to change. I have been given a task. To write your feelings, especially anger, guilt and shame, as they have been with you too long. Time knows your journey has been a long and painful one, time for those feelings to go. I have faith in you, and I know that you will do it. Now old friend, the future is in your hands. From your old soul that’s always been in your heart call up compassion — love and forgiveness. P.S There is always HOPE.
As the number of Veterans turning to us for support rises, we have started to look at offering some services at more locations to ensure as many of you as possible can access help. We talked to the Royal British Legion and RAF Benevolent Fund to see if we could use the accommodation at their Break Centres, and piloted the resulting project in spring and autumn 2012. Many of you will have spent a week, together with our clinical
“I have my husband back after 20 years. I would never have believed without seeing it fi rst-hand.” staff, at Weston Super Mare, Bridlington or Southport. Each centre offers a mix of treatment sessions, activities and outings. One Veteran’s wife commented: “I have my husband back after 20 years. I would never have believed without seeing it first-hand. He is a different man and with your staff’s support he has the confidence and self esteem to overcome his difficulties and lead a fuller and happier life for both of us.”
This poem written by Lee Harrison features in Courage and Strength
5
ways to well-being These steps will help you look after your well-being. How can you ensure they feature in your daily life?
1. Connect With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your community. 2. Keep learning Set a challenge you enjoy achieving. Learning new things will make you more confident as well as being fun.
3. Be active Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Discover an activity you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness. 4. Take notice Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will
help you appreciate what matters. 5. Give Do something nice for a friend. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Becoming a part of the community can be incredibly rewarding and builds connections with those around you.
Call the Combat Stress 24-hour Helpline on 0800 138 1619. Alternatively, text 07537 404 719 or email combat.stress@rethink.org
Answers: 1. 1919 2. Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society 3. HRH Prince Charles 4. Admiral Sir Reginald Tyrwhitt 5. Ross Kemp
Courage and Strength
We have started to look at offering some services at more locations to ensure more of you can access help.