The magazine of the veterans ' mental health charit y
COMBATSTRESS combatstress.org.uk
“Thanks to the help of Combat Stress, I’ve come a really long way”
Spring 2017
CALL US HELP IS JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY
THE ROAD TO RECOVERY Veteran Alison Williams tells how she found her voice again
OUR RESEARCH
Find out more IN GOOD COMPANY
The firm raising thousands THE LAST WORD
General Sir Peter Wall on school, sport and the military sector
ART THERAPY
Drawing out hidden emotions
N ews • S u p p o r t • Fu n d ra is i n g
Have fun, get fit and raise funds Why not take on a challenge this year and help support veterans?
Edinburgh Marathon Festival – Sunday 28 May 2017 British 10K London Run – Sunday 9 July 2017 Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 – Sunday 30 July 2017 These are just three of the events you could take part in – there are many others across the country. To find out more visit: combatstress.org.uk/events or contact our Fundraising Team: fundraising@combatstress.org.uk or 01372 587 140
WELCOME
Contents
Spring 2017
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“I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved”
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his issue of the magazine features an insight into how music and art have helped veterans rebuild their lives. At Combat Stress, we provide an opportunity for veterans to explore a whole range of different activities to help them recover. The insights from Alison’s story on page 6 and the art therapy feature on page 8 show the value of providing these kind of opportunities. Research plays a vital part in our ability to deliver the most effective clinical services and on page 15 you can read more about our research team and what they do. Finally, I’d like to draw your attention to our feature on pages 16 and 17. This looks at where veterans can find welfare support as we focus on what we do best – providing our unique mental health treatment. For those in need of help and advice about matters such as housing, finances or employment, we are working closely with three national organisations best equipped to provide this. Looking ahead, we will launch a new strategic plan this year and you’ll be able to read more about this in the next issue of our magazine.
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Upfront The latest news
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The road to recovery How singing helped Alison Williams face her fears
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Art therapy Drawing out hidden emotions
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It’s good to talk The Combat Stress 24-hour Helpline
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No obstacles to success One man’s fundraising mission
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A day in the life Fundraising Assistant Georgina Brookes
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Research at Combat Stress 21
Further support
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Where to find welfare advice
In good company How BAE Systems supports Combat Stress
10 things you (probably) didn’t know
Long-term support Meet one of our Benefactors
Last word General Sir Peter Wall
COMBAT STRESS, Tyrwhitt House, Oaklawn Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 0BX Published by James Pembroke Publishing
General enquiries: 01372 587 151 Email: magazine@combatstress.org.uk Helpline: 0800 138 1619 (for veterans, serving personnel and their families)
Sue Freeth Chief Executive
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If you would like to change how you hear from us in the future please contact Francesca Crilly on 01372 587 151 or francesca.crilly@combatstress.org.uk If you have read and enjoyed our magazine please pass it on to a friend or recycle
Produced by the Combat Stress Communications Team with contributions from veterans, supporters and employees. Thank you to everyone who has contributed towards this issue Photography by Richard Stonehouse, Brendan Foster and other contributors Combat Stress Company Registered in England & Wales No 256353. Charity Registration No 206002. Charity Scotland No SC038828.
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Race is still on
The #22PushupChallenge has raised over £300,000
#22PushupChallenge update
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f you’ve been part of the #22PushupChallenge, thank you so much. Supporters, employees, veterans and celebrities – including singer Beverley Knight, footballer David Beckham and Paralympian Joe Townsend – have all taken part in the challenge, helping to raise over £300,000 (including Gift Aid). This is the largest amount we have ever raised through a social media campaign. The #22PushupChallenge originated in the United States to raise awareness of veterans’ mental health. Last summer, the challenge gathered a large following in the UK on Twitter and Facebook.
It’s not too late to take part Just post a video or photo to social media using the hashtag #22PushupChallenge, and donate £5 to Combat Stress by texting PTSD22 to 70004. You can also make a donation online. Sue Freeth, Chief Executive of Combat Stress, said, “The public’s support for the #22PushupChallenge has been absolutely fantastic. It’s raised an incredible amount that will help ensure we’re able to meet the growing demand for our services. We are enormously grateful to everyone who has taken part in the #22PushupChallenge.”
Just the ticket Buy a ticket in our spring raffle and you could win one of three cash prizes (£2,000, £500 or £250). There are also ten £25 Marks & Spencer shopping vouchers available to win. It’s easy to get involved – simply call 0370 050 1685 to ask for some raffle tickets to be sent to you.
Research results The residential PTSD Intensive Treatment Programme (ITP) has been proven to have long-lasting positive results. A study of the veterans who completed the ITP between early 2012 and late 2014 showed that for
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most, their symptoms continued to be significantly reduced one year after treatment. The research was published in the BMJ Open 2016. Find out about research at Combat Stress on page 15.
In the last issue of our magazine, we featured veteran Stuart ReponNess and his attempt to run 55 marathons in just 45 days along the west coast of the USA. Sadly, his attempt was unsuccessful as he was injured in the fi rst week of his challenge. “After running 200 miles, I was forced to stop due to a muscle rupture. I couldn’t believe it. I was on crutches for a while as I couldn’t use my ankle – I’ve never experienced an injury as severe from running. It’s much better now, and I’m back out running and gradually building up the miles. “I’m planning to return to the US in April to start the challenge again. This time I’m hoping to set off from San Diego and run the 1,500 miles north to Seattle. I am training hard and really hope I can stay injury-free so I can make the distance this time around and raise as much money as possible for Combat Stress. “I’d like to say a huge thank you for all the kind messages of support and sponsorship. Since injuring myself, they’ve really helped to get me refocused for my second attempt.” To sponsor Stuart, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/stusrunning and click on his Combat Stress fundraising page.
24-hour Helpline: 0800 138 1619
UPFRONT
Q&A ROBERT MARSH
The Pan-American Highway runs through the arid Atacama Desert
Robert Marsh, Director of Fundraising, answers your questions
The ultimate road trip Four servicemen are preparing to ride the 20,000 mile Pan-American Highway by motorcycle – all to raise awareness of Combat Stress. Starting in March, the team will spend three months crossing jungle, mountains, desert and the Arctic. As if that isn’t enough, it will take them
Ann Griffiths: How do you strike a balance when campaigning to highlight needs and challenges while tackling misperceptions? Combat Stress always runs campaigns based on facts. In our communications we always give independent facts about how many members of the military community have mental health problems. We also show how mental health conditions can have a big emotional impact on veterans and their families.
a month to cross the inhospitable jungle and swampland of the Darién Gap that borders Panama and Colombia. The servicemen will use the expedition to highlight veterans’ mental health and raise money for Combat Stress.
To support the team visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/transamericas
Innovative art
combatstress.org.uk
© Caroline de Peyrecave – Johnson Beharry VC
WARpaint is the brainchild of artist Caroline de Peyrecave. Caroline has painted life-size full-length portraits of sailors, soldiers and airmen, representing conflicts that the United Kingdom has been involved in since the Second World War. These paintings are available to businesses and individuals to lease on a flexible basis in return for a donation. Combat Stress is one of four charities benefiting from this initiative – we have already received over £15,000 and are so grateful for this support. To find out more, visit warpaintexhibition.com or email info@warpaintexhibition.com.
Karl Tearney: How much of the money raised is spent on treatment versus paying staff? We make sure every donation is spent on supporting veterans who need our help. For every £1 we raise, 85p is spent on treatment and raising awareness of veterans’ mental health. The remaining 15p is spent on fundraising. In the next issue Dr Walter Busuttil, Director of Medical Services, answers your questions. Email magazine@combatstress.org.uk or tweet @CombatStress with your questions. To find out more about Walter visit youtube.com/CombatStressCharity.
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MY STORY: ALISON WILLIAMS
The road to recovery Alison Williams explains how Combat Stress helped her to find her voice and regain her confidence
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inging is something many of us enjoy but for one veteran with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) her voice has been a key part of her recovery. Alison, 41, who served in the Royal Air Force for 13 years, was part of Gareth Malone’s Invictus Choir, which performed at the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games in Orlando, Florida in May 2016. For Alison, joining the choir was a personal challenge – a chance to put the skills she had learnt at Combat Stress into practice. “I did a lot of singing in the past – I was in loads of bands between the ages of 16 and 27 but when I became unwell, I stopped singing. I totally lost my confidence. “I found out about the Invictus Choir just after I had finished my sixweek residential PTSD Intensive Treatment Programme (ITP) at the Audley Court treatment centre in Shropshire. Part of my recovery plan was to to find a new focus and re-engage with something I’d enjoyed previously. The choir looked like the perfect opportunity for me.” Alison was one of ten people selected from the hundreds who applied to be in the choir – no mean feat
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MY STORY: ALISON WILLIAMS
OUR PTSD INTENSIVE TREATMENT PROGRAMME
Alison is now having singing lessons for pure enjoyment
The six-week programme, funded by the NHS*, provides: • One-to-one sessions with a psychologist or therapist, two or three times a week.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
• Group sessions each day, providing education about PTSD as well as group skills training. • An opportunity for veterans to explore art therapy, as well as spend time with occupational therapists. • A partners and carers session where they can learn more about how to support loved ones at home. *The NHS provides funding for the ITP programme in England and Scotland.
started a make-up artistry course at college, something I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do a few years ago. I’m even having singing lessons – just for pure enjoyment. “My recovery is a long-term project but thanks to the help of Combat Stress, I’ve come an awful long way. I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved.”
in itself – but for Alison, the hard work was only just beginning.
The Invictus Choir performed at last year’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards ceremony and has several performances planned for 2017. “I’m really happy that the choir is continuing – it’s a fantastic way to raise awareness about veterans’ mental health and the help that is out there.”
COPING TOOLS Alison used to find it difficult travelling alone. “I’d have to take my mum with me when I took my daughter to school.” But when the choir met for the first time, she had to travel over 200 miles from home and stay in a hotel on her own before meeting everyone the next day. “It was really challenging to be away from home – I found it very stressful but I managed thanks to the coping tools I’d learnt at Combat Stress.” After rehearsing in the UK, the choir flew to the States for the big performance. “Flying to Orlando was a big deal – I was really worried but luckily I had my parents and daughter with me for support. “Once we arrived, there was an awful lot to take in. I had to get used to wearing a special earpiece as I was singing solo. And we had to rehearse the choreography for when we walked onto the stage. I had to park any anxiety and just get on with it. “It wasn’t really until a few months later that I realised how much I had overcome,” continues Alison. “I can now see how far I’ve come – ‘Project Me’, as I call it, has taken some huge steps forward. “I can now travel on my own with reduced anxiety levels and I’ve just
combatstress.org.uk
Alison has started a make-up artistry course
LASTING LEGACY Help us to continue to provide support to veterans like Alison by leaving us a gift in your Will. To talk about leaving a legacy, please call the legacies team on 01372 587 144 or email fundraising@combatstress.org.uk
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Help to fund our therapies such as art therapy by calling 01372 587 151 to donate.
Jan Lobban, Senior Art Psychotherapist at Combat Stress
A picture is worth a thousand words It can be hard to talk about difficult experiences but art therapy at Combat Stress gives veterans another way to express their emotions
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t’s not about how good the art is, it’s about what it represents. There’s no requirement for artistic flair – stick figures are absolutely fine,” explains Jan Lobban, Senior Art Psychotherapist at Combat Stress. “It’s about self-expression and being able to externalise things that might not be making sense. People learn about themselves through image-making.” All veterans on residential treatment programmes at Combat Stress have the opportunity to take part in art therapy sessions. But what’s it really like and how does it help? Two veterans take us through their experiences. Mark, 54, who served in the Parachute Regiment, knew nothing about art therapy when
he came to Combat Stress. “I thought the sessions would be a nice, relaxing break. In fact they were the complete opposite – they were very demanding. However I knew that my art therapy sessions were helping from the very first one I attended. “It doesn’t have to be a work of art – it’s more that your picture gives you a basis to start talking. It’s hard to talk about your personal experiences but the group was very supportive – we could all relate to the experiences being shared.” Ex-Royal Marine Grayham, 47, was initially sceptical about how art therapy could help. “I like drawing. I knew the idea was to get you talking but I thought I could get around that
24-hour Helpline: 0800 138 1619
IN FOCUS: ART THERAPY
and avoid it. I was wrong though – one particular session made me really open up. I was amazed that a drawing could unlock my emotions and help me so much.”
DRAWING EMOTIONS An art therapist is based at each Combat Stress treatment centre. Each art therapy session is theme-based but to get a spontaneous response the veterans aren’t aware of the theme beforehand. Veterans have 45 minutes to create artwork to express personal associations with the theme chosen for that session – examples include ‘rhythm’ and ‘journey’. There is no right or wrong way to interpret the theme. Veterans can choose which medium to work in – pencil, pastels, collage and clay are popular choices but sometimes veterans use poetry. The group then comes together for a further 30 minutes to discuss the work and share their thoughts, although it is okay not to speak if a veteran prefers not to. Senior Art Psychotherapist Jan explains, “Art
therapy is able to access non-verbal parts of the brain, providing a channel of expression for emotions and sensations that might be difficult to put into words. It provides an alternative way of working through traumatic experiences and increases insight. “Some veterans describe hiding their PTSD behind a mask, hoping to keep their trauma inside. Art therapy allows them to take off that mask, express what they are feeling and, in doing so, begin to process the experience. “I have had a veteran tell me ‘I can’t talk about my emotions but I can draw them’ – that really sums up what art therapy is all about,” says Jan. Mark agrees: “You can express a lot more on paper than you can in words.”
FIND OUT MORE o ear more rom an and to find out more a out art t erapy at om at tress isit y outube.com/ C ombatS tressC h arity
Veteran Mark, who served in the Parachute Regiment, knew his art therapy sessions were helping from the very first one he attended
Ex-Royal Marine Grayham was amazed by how much art therapy helped him
Images: Laura Gallant / BuzzFeed
combatstress.org.uk
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HOW WE HELP: HELPLINE
It’s good to talk The Combat Stress Helpline is open all day, every day offering support and advice to veterans and their families
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uring our last financial year, the Combat Stress Helpline was contacted more than 9,500 times but making that first call to ask for help can be daunting. We have an experienced team who provide confidential help and advice day and night, 365 days of the year, to veterans, serving military personnel and their families. Ian, one of our Helpline advisors, explains what happens when someone calls. What happens when you ring the Helpline? First of all, you’ll hear a short recorded message about confidentiality and then there’s a brief silence whilst your call is added to the call handling system. Your call will then be answered by one of our Helpline advisors or, if they are already on calls, you can either hold or leave a message so we can call you back. What do you ask when you answer the phone? I’ll ask the caller for their name – a first name is fine. I then ask if they are calling
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about themselves or on behalf of someone else. Once I know these two details, I’ll ask how can we help? It’s a chance for the caller to tell me about their problems. Who calls the Helpline? The majority of callers are veterans looking for help with their mental health issues. The reasons vary hugely – sometimes it might be that they are finding it hard to sleep, having nightmares or flashbacks, or simply feel something isn’t quite right. Whatever the reason for calling, it doesn’t matter – just pick up the phone and call. We’re there to listen. The second biggest group of callers are family members worried about a loved one and looking for information about how to help them.
often able to provide the caller with the help they need in just one call. I normally refer people to one of our triage and referral nurses (providing the veteran agrees). This means they can start the process to receive help and support for their mental health issues straight away.
How long does a call last? I’d say that on average a call lasts about ten minutes – some are longer and some are shorter.
What happens if someone can’t get through to the Helpline? If it is a busy time and it’s not possible to get through, veterans can leave a message and we’ll call them back. You can also text or email us and I know that some veterans find that this a good way to start the conversation with us before calling the Helpline for more help and advice.
How many times can someone call the Helpline? There’s no limit on the number of times you can call the Helpline. However, I am
What sort of advice do you provide? I always try to get callers to understand that help is available for mental health issues. If appropriate, I’ll explain how
24-hour Helpline: 0800 138 1619
HOW WE HELP: HELPLINE
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? If you are referred through the Helpline, one of our referrals and triage nurses will call you to take some more details and assess if Combat Stress is the best organisation to help you.
including the weather. Some days can be really busy and others are quieter. If someone is unable to get through, they can either leave a message (and we’ll call them back) or they can keep holding until an advisor becomes free.
Combat Stress might be able to help or refer them to other organisations who might be more relevant. What’s the best time to call the Helpline? The simple answer is that the best time to call is the best time for the caller, not the Helpline. The number of calls to our Helpline varies hugely, depending on all sorts of factors –
combatstress.org.uk
Clare Giblett is one of these nurses. “When I call a veteran, I’ll ask a few questions to work out if we can help them. I won’t be going into too much depth, or asking about anything that will be too difficult to discuss over the phone. I just need a better idea of the veteran’s situation and who would be best placed to help them. If Combat Stress can help, I will set up a face-to-face appointment with one of our Community Teams.”
What happens if it’s a crisis situation? We’re open 24/7, providing emotional support and advice but we are not a crisis service. If you do call us and you are in crisis, we’ll fi nd someone who can help – for example, the Samaritans or the Accident and Emergency department at your local hospital.
TALK TO US C ombat Stress 2 4 -hour Helpline pro ides ree and confidential ad ice C all: 0800 138 16 19 Text: 07537 404 719 E mail: h el p l ine@combatstress.org.uk
Referrals and triage nurse Clare Giblett – one of our team who contact veterans who have been referred by the Helpline
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SUPPORTER STORY: ADAM PICKERING
No obstacles to success Adam Pickering explains how a friend inspired him to take on six big challenges to raise funds for Combat Stress
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dam Pickering enjoys being fit and trains three times a week. Whilst he loves spending his free time with his partner and young family, he is planning to push himself to the limit by training and competing in six endurance challenges to raise money for Combat Stress. He has chosen these events as they not only require him to be at his fittest but will also stretch him mentally and emotionally. The events themselves attract a lot of participants so he can also make more people aware of the work of Combat Stress. He has always been sporty, enjoying mountain biking and playing rugby but took up obstacle course racing (OCR) four years ago when he joined his local bootcamp class, Elements Outdoor Military Fitness. Many OCR courses are based on military training and include rope climbs, cargo nets and walls, as well as mental challenges.
TOUGH TEST “I have chosen what I feel are the hardest challenges to test myself as I want to raise awareness of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as well as raising money for Combat Stress,” he said. “I am a plumbing and heating engineer but I have a lot of friends who are serving or have served in the military. It wasn’t until I went to visit a good friend in hospital that I saw
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how many young people have been affected by PTSD. While you can see physical injuries like the loss of a limb, you cannot see mental health issues. “When my friend was diagnosed with PTSD he kept it under wraps at first. I have seen him at his best and his worst but also how Combat Stress has helped him and other people with PTSD.
“You can see physical injuries but you cannot see mental health issues” “I have competed in several endurance challenges in the past but this is the first time I’m doing them for charity. I don’t want to set a fundraising target, but I want to raise enough money so as many people as possible can get help. “The six events I have chosen will test my fitness but also my mental strength. The Fan Dance will see me scale the highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons, Pen y Fan. It’s the route used by the SAS as part of their selection process so I know I will be pushing myself to my limits – especially as I live in Basingstoke so there aren’t many mountain ranges nearby to practise on!
“I have run a couple of half marathons but not a full one so the Brighton Marathon in April will be a challenge. The Rat Race, at Burghley in May, is a 20-mile obstacle course. I have done this before so know what to expect. Working in a team with four friends, we will then be taking part in Endure 24, which will see us running as many five-mile laps as we can in a relay over 24 hours.
THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE “The biggest and hardest event will be Judgement Day: The Unknown. It lasts 36 hours and you don’t know what the activities will be, which makes it a really intense experience. Last year included navigating back to base from an unknown location, exercises in the sea at all hours, tabbing with full Bergen and kit runs across beaches and dunes. You literally have no clue what to expect. “I will finish my year of challenges with the Basingstoke Half Marathon. “I believe you only live once so you just have to go for it. I will do everything I can to raise awareness of PTSD and much-needed funds for Combat Stress.”
SUPPORT ADAM To sponsor Adam visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/ adampickering-combatstress
24-hour Helpline: 0800 138 1619
SUPPORTER STORY: ADAM PICKERING
Adam competing in the OCRA Championships at Pippingford Manor
THE BIG SIX
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The Fan Dance thefandancerace.com
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9 April 2017 Brighton Marathon brightonmarathon.co.uk
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6 May 2017 Rat Race Dirty Weekend ratrace.com/ dirtyweekend
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10/11 June 2017 Endure 24 endure24.co.uk
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September 2017 The Unknown judgement-day.co.uk
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1 October 2017 Basingstoke Half Marathon destination basingstoke.co.uk
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OUR PEOPLE
A day in the life Georgina Brookes, Volunteer and Community Fundraising Assistant
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eorgina Brookes, 23, is a Volunteer and Community Fundraising Assistant and joined Combat Stress in October 2015. This is her first job after studying Economics at Royal Holloway, University of London. As an intern at the Mental Health Foundation, Georgina got involved in community fundraising. Having grown up in a town with a large military presence and being interested in mental health issues, working for Combat Stress is her ideal job.
My drive to work depends on how busy it is on the M25. The first thing I do when I get in is check my emails, which often include lots of questions from people about how they can support Combat Stress. I look after all the physical fundraising challenges, apart from the running ones, which are looked after by my colleague Tom. I book places for events such as the Tough Mudder and Night Rider, and let people know how they can take part. If a supporter is looking for ideas on how they can get involved, I will send them a fundraising pack with lots of information on how to get started. I also box-up collection tins, T-shirts, buckets and banners to send to volunteers who are taking part in different events such as cycling, abseiling and skydiving. We are always looking for different challenges so I check out new ideas. We’d like people to get involved in overseas activities so I am recruiting volunteers for Cycle Cuba and a trek to Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
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Some weeks I spend evenings and weekends involved in the fundraising events themselves. This can include collecting money, selling merchandise on a stall or helping with race days, the Christmas carol service or silent auctions. Even standing in a muddy field when it is pouring with rain is fun, as my colleagues are fantastic and we are raising money for such an important cause! I have been particularly inspired by the veterans who get involved in supporting us. Many of them have used our services and are driven to take part in fundraising challenges. Family members also want to get involved as this can be a practical way of supporting their loved ones. I am currently helping a mum whose son has PTSD with planning her first fundraiser.
Georgina cheering on the Combat Stress runners at the British London 10K
When I am not working I love to bake – scones are my speciality! My mum and I are planning to put our skills to good use and take part in a local school fair to raise money for Combat Stress. If you’re planning a challenge event or would like to get involved in one, please contact Georgina for more information: georgina.brookes@combatstress.org.uk
Collecting at London Waterloo station ahead of Armed Forces Day in 2016
RESEARCH AT COMBAT STRESS
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Research helps Combat Stress to deliver the most effective clinical services to help veterans with mental health issues rebuild their lives. We publish our research findings as part of our commitment to increasing knowledge and understanding of veterans’ mental health.
things you (probably) didn’t know about… research at Combat Stress
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Our research papers reviewed patterns of referrals over a 20-year period and showed that the time veterans took to contact us for help is falling as stigma is reducing. It has more than halved from 24 years in 1994 to just under 12 years in 2014, and for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans the period is shorter still (four and two years respectively).
The research department at Combat Stress is led by Dr Dominic Murphy
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The research department is led by Dr Dominic Murphy, a senior clinical lecturer at King’s College London within the King’s Centre for Military Health Research. He works alongside Dr Walter Busuttil, Medical Director at Combat Stress.
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Since 2007 Combat Stress has been collecting data and publishing research papers on veterans who were seeking help from the charity so that we could design the best treatment programmes to help them.
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Research at Combat Stress has improved the mental health services that we provide to veterans. Our research in this field is unique because we are the only UK mental
www.combatstress.org.uk combatstress.org.uk
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health charity working with veterans with moderate and severe complex military trauma.
and helped us to keep veterans’ mental health in the spotlight.
In a collaborative study with The Disabilities Trust Foundation, the first study of its kind in the UK, our research paper found the rate of Traumatic Brain Injury amongst veterans seeking help for mental health conditions was unexpectedly high.
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Recent research papers have shown that our Intensive Treatment Programme outcomes are amongst the most effective treatment outcomes for military Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in the world.
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In 2016 we published eight different research papers, providing significant insight into the health and social needs of the individuals who seek help as well as publishing our positive treatment outcomes.
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Our research has attracted media interest
This year we plan to publish further research papers on alcohol misuse amongst veterans and the levels of social deprivation experienced by veterans with mental health issues.
FIND OUT MORE Visit our website for more information about our latest research findings: combatstress.org.uk/research
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FURTHER SUPPORT: WELFARE
Veterans and welfare support Finding the right organisations to offer help with finance, housing, employment, independent living and social support
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emand for our services to help veterans with mental health conditions continues to grow. In fact, over the past five years we have seen a huge rise with almost 10,000 veteran referrals – a 71% increase. In light of this increased demand for our area of expertise, we have taken the decision to focus on meeting the growing need for our unique mental health treatments rather than providing general welfare support. We are working closely with organisations who provide specialist welfare support for veterans to ensure they have access to the help and advice they need from those best equipped to provide this.
STREAMLINED SERVICE Andy Smith, Regional Operations Manager for Combat Stress, says, “This new way of working means we are not duplicating services that others provide and allows us to focus on what we do best: providing specialist mental health treatment. There are many excellent sources of welfare support available to veterans and we are working together with three
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nationwide organisations that provide this kind of help so we can refer veterans to their services.” For help and advice on matters such as finances, housing, employment, independent living and social support, we are working closely with Veterans UK in the Ministry of Defence, The Royal British Legion and SSAFA to direct and refer veterans to their specialist welfare support.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT We already work with The Royal British Legion – our Community Teams are based in their (and Poppy Scotland’s) Pop-In Centres. Each of our 14 Community Teams is made up of a community psychiatric nurse and an occupational therapist, and they use the Pop-In Centres to support veterans within their communities. We are also working in partnership with other organisations who can provide help and advice to veterans with specific welfare needs – for example, we work with Blind Veterans UK and Blesma to help those veterans with physical health problems, as well as welfare organisations that support veterans in Northern Ireland.
“I’d always lived away, either in the Army or working on cruise ships for most of the year. “When it came to settling down and living in the ‘real world’, I found it hard. I was feeling very angry, didn’t want to leave my home and eventually I realised I needed to get help. “After contacting the Combat Stress Helpline, I met with Michele O’Brien, a community psychiatric nurse. As well as providing advice about my mental health problems, she also told me about The Royal British Legion course which was all about getting a job. “The course was great and I learnt loads. I’m so pleased Michele told me about it.” Veteran Harry explaining how Combat Stress supported him as he re-adjusted to life back home.
24-hour Helpline: 0800 138 1619
FURTHER SUPPORT: WELFARE
How to get in touch: HELPLINE: The Ministry of Defence’s Veterans UK helpline provides assistance on many issues including benefits, housing and welfare. Call 0808 1914 218 from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Part of the Ministry of Defence
ONLINE: Help and advice can also be provided via email. Please contact veterans-uk@mod.uk
How to get in touch: HELPLINE: There is a dedicated helpline for veterans. Call 0808 802 8080 from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. VISIT: Call in for a chat at one of the Pop-In Centres located on high streets across the country. The Pop-In Centres are open 10am to 4pm every weekday. To find your nearest Pop-In Centre, visit britishlegion.org.uk ONLINE: Use ‘live chat’ to get instant help and advice online. Available Monday to Sunday, 8am to 8pm. britishlegion.org.uk
How to get in touch: HELPLINE: Forcesline is a free and confidential telephone helpline and email service. Call 0800 731 4880 from 9am to 5.30pm every weekday. VISIT: There are local SSAFA branches throughout the country where you can get help or welfare support. Most branches are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm. To find your nearest branch, visit ssafa.org.uk ONLINE: Fill out a form online and a SSAFA representative will be in touch. ssafa.org.uk
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FUNDRAISING: BAE SYSTEMS
In good company
Simon cycled between Seattle and Miami for Combat Stress. Read about other ways BAE Systems have supported us on our website
How BAE Systems supports Combat Stress
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AE Systems, the global defence, aerospace and security company, has been supporting Combat Stress corporately since 2008 and staff have been fundraising for the charity since 2001. With nearly 33,000 members of staff working across 62 sites in the UK, it is thanks to both the company and its employees that BAE Systems contributes an amazing £100,000 annually to Combat Stress. The company is committed to raising awareness of and supporting mental health issues and encourages its staff across all sites to take part in fundraising
activities for charity. Colleagues at BAE Systems choose a selection of charities to support each year and Combat Stress is the only or main charity at several sites. Half the money given to Combat Stress by BAE Systems is thanks to the efforts of the teams across the country. The remainder comes from grants that are awarded for specific projects, which Combat Stress has successfully bid for over the past six years.
walk or run a mile along the runway at the Warton site to raise funds. For the Cycle Challenge employees can cycle either 25 or 45 miles and pay an entrance fee as well as being sponsored to complete the challenge. For the Site to Site walk, people either walk or run the 17.5 miles between the Warton and Samlesbury sites in the North West of England. Over £5,000 was raised from this event alone this year!
SUPPORTING EMPLOYEES WITH
WORKING TOGETHER
THEIR FUNDRAISING
We want to thank all the staff across BAE Systems who have donated money, taken part in fundraising challenges and shown their support so we can provide our
BAE Systems runs annual events including a Cycle Challenge, Site to Site walk and Runway Mile, where over 350 people
“I’d like to thank everyone at BAE Systems who has raised money for Combat Stress. With their generosity and ingenuity, we can help more veterans, and it is even more important now there has been a 71% increase in referrals over the last five years.” Garry Burns, Corporate Sponsorship and Partnership Manager at Combat Stress
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Starting on the Site to Site walk, BAE Systems staff set off from Warton, Lancashire
24-hour Helpline: 0800 138 1619
FUNDRAISING: BAE SYSTEMS
Minnie Mouse joining colleagues at the start of the Runway Mile at Warton
services to veterans. You can read more about the different events on our website. The BAE Systems corporate funding has contributed to the costs of employing a Head of Psychological Services and a centralised patient administration system.
GETTING COMPANIES INVOLVED Garry Burns is Corporate Sponsorship and Partnership Manager at Combat Stress. He works with businesses that
The Runway Mile raised ÂŁ1,200 thanks to the BAE Systems teams braving the cold weather
support the charity but also approaches those with similar values to gain their support. A business does not need to be involved in mental health or have a military connection to support the charity on a corporate level. Garry can advise on the different ways to give money to Combat Stress. As well as supporting employees to raise money, a company can match the funds raised, sponsor or organise events or make it possible for their staff to give regular donations from their wages.
Visiting our Surrey treatment centre en route to the Monte Carlo or Bust car rally
CORPORATE SUPPORT
combatstress.org.uk
I f you work for a company or have your own business, why not consider supporting C ombat Stress as your chosen charity? I f you would like to ďŹ nd out ways your company can get involved, please contact Garry B urns on garry .burns@combatstress.org.uk or call 01372 587 158
TAKE A BREAK
Puzzles
Take a break with these brain teasers. And if you complete the Sudoku and send it in, you could win tickets to a Battle Proms concert!
Spot the difference There are six differences in these two photos: can you find them all?
The answers can be found on page 23.
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Sudoku prize draw We have three pairs of tickets to the Battle Proms summer picnic concerts to give away in our prize draw.
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2. Send the completed form to: Combat Stress Magazine, Combat Stress, Tyrwhitt House, Oaklawn Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 0BX
Name: ...................................................................................................................... Address:................................................................................................................. ..................................................................................................................................... Telephone: ...........................................................................................................
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Email: ......................................................................................................................
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Terms and Conditions: The prize draw is free to enter. All correct entries will be entered into the draw. Not open to staff of Combat Stress. Competition closing date is 30 April 2017. The winners will be drawn after this date and notified. For more information on dates and venues please visit battleproms.com.
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1. Complete the Sudoku puzzle
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Enter the prize draw in two easy steps:
..................................................................................................................................... Please tick this box if you are happy to receive emails from Combat Stress
If you aren’t one of our lucky winners you can purchase Battle Proms tickets at battleproms.com
24-hour helpline: 0800 138 1619
BENEFACTORS
A vital support for our future Generous support from our Benefactors helps us to look ahead and plan the work Combat Stress can do
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Thank you We would like to thank our Benefactors for their generous support. New Benefactors to the programme include*: • Dr Ravinder Gidar • Jas and Ranie Johal • Mr Selva Pankaj • Atul Pathak OBE • Peter and Jemaine Saville • Mr Anil Sharma • Michael and Helen White Benefactor Atul Pathak OBE and Nicola Wearing, Major Gifts Manager, Combat Stress at the Tyrwhitt House treatment centre in Surrey
ur Benefactor programme provides a way to support our work on a more regular basis. The scheme launched in 2015 and we now have 26 Benefactors, 12 of whom have made multiyear pledges to support Combat Stress. We’re incredibly grateful for these significant gifts.
“I had no idea about the different ways veterans can receive help for mental health conditions”
WHY BE A BENEFACTOR?
Atul Pathak OBE, Managing Director of Appt Corporation and franchise entrepreneur
Benefactor Atul Pathak OBE recently visited Tyrwhitt House, our Surrey residential treatment centre, to find out a little more about our work. “Although I have never served, I have a lot of respect for the Armed Forces,” he said. “The more of us who support our soldiers and veterans, the better our country will appreciate what they do for us. And some need our support more than others. That’s why I decided to help Combat Stress. “Visiting the treatment centre was very humbling. I had no idea about all
combatstress.org.uk
the different ways veterans can receive help for mental health conditions. It was a fascinating insight into the charity’s valuable work.” The Benefactor programme provides a very personal way to support Combat Stress, as Nicola Wearing, the Major Gifts Manager at Combat Stress, explains. “Where we can, we’ll work with a Benefactor to identify a specific project for them to support and champion.
And two anonymous donors. *Current as of January 2017
Benefactors can also attend special events and meet veterans and employees from across the organisation to get a real insight into what we do. “With increasing numbers of veterans seeking our help, making a long term commitment by giving a major gift through this programme is of great benefit to the men and women we help.”
HOW TO BECOME A BENEFACTOR To find out more about the programme, please email Nicola Wearing, Major Gifts Manager, at nicola.wearing@combatstress.org.uk or call her on 01372 587 155. Read more about the Benefactor Programme on our website: combatstress.org.uk/support-us/ give-a-major-gift
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LAST WORD
General Sir Peter Wall The former head of the Army and current President of Combat Stress gives an insight into his life and his involvement with the charity
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eneral Sir Peter Wall is a retired British Army officer. He joined the Royal Engineers from Sandhurst in 1974 and retired as Chief of the General Staff, the professional head of the British Army, in September 2014. When I was growing up I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do. But through sport at school – I played rugby and took part in modern pentathlon – I was exposed to the Army. This gave me the idea of joining up, so when I was 18 I went to Sandhurst. At school my favourite subject was science, but I wasn’t very good at maths! I really admire our soldiers, they are a consistent example to us all. I also think highly of politicians for what they do – they don’t work in an easy environment, and they are vital to the nation. The highlight of my career has been the way in which we have reorganised the British Army since 2011. This is, of course, still ongoing in the hands of my successor, Sir Nick Carter, who was one of the architects of the changes. Another highlight has been the people I have worked with. I have served with some really great people of all ranks across the Army and among our Allies. I really enjoy working in teams. I find it difficult to be creative on my own.
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The hardest thing I have ever had to do was pass my engineering exams at Cambridge University. A very close second was attempting to control South East Iraq in 2003 once it had been liberated. In my spare time, I enjoy sport, especially playing cricket. I didn’t play it at school but I really enjoy it now. I also like socialising and spending time with my family. My favourite way to relax is doing DIY at home. My current project is a timber barn.
Cricket is one of Sir Peter’s passions
I became involved with Combat Stress because I thought it was the most important charity to be involved with in the aftermath of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. It’s a key charity in the military sector and it’s a great privilege to be part of it. In the future, I hope that we get to a point where the stigma attached to coming forward for help with mental health issues is so greatly reduced that people can do it as early as possible. That would be a real mark of success for Combat Stress, and it would make our role easier. Currently it tends to be those people in really desperate circumstances who seek our help – if we can encourage veterans to seek help earlier, the impact on them and their families will be greatly reduced.
Sir Peter was head of the British Army
I’d say to a veteran who thinks they might need our help, don’t wait. Even if you’re not sure what’s wrong, talk to us and we will do our very best to help. Sir Peter enjoys DIY at home
A snapshot of support
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s a charity we are reliant on the generosity of our supporters. Without the vital donations from individuals, trusts and foundations, charities, corporations and the government we would simply not be able to provide life-changing treatment and support for veterans with mental health problems. Trusts and Foundations are our biggest voluntary funding stream and money from this area plays an important role in helping to meet the increased demand for our services. We’re extremely grateful for this support – it makes a huge difference. Current examples of funding from grant-giving organisations include Comic Relief and LIBOR funds:
Comic Relief Comic Relief has provided us with a grant of £180,000. Split over two years, the grant funds our anti-stigma activity around mental health and
enables our Communications Team to increase awareness of veterans’ mental health and the services we provide for veterans.
LIBOR funds In November 2016, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that £2 million from LIBOR funds was to be awarded to Combat Stress. This funding will go towards supporting veterans with PostTraumatic Stress Disorder; specifically
those who need to attend our Intensive Treatment Programme enabling us to provide community assessment and follow up support. This funding will help us to engage with ex-servicemen and women and help them access treatment as quickly as possible.
Combat Stress is also grateful to all our other valued supporters and partners including:
Worshipful Company of Innholders
THE CHILDWICK TRUST
Spot the difference Answers to the puzzle on page 20. Did you spot them all?
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COMBAT STRESS ONLINE SHOP
Visit our online shop and help to raise funds and awareness of Combat Stress. Every order enables us to continue to provide treatment and support to veterans with mental health problems.
Visit combatstress.org.uk/shop for the full range and to place an order Combat Stress, Company Registered in England & Wales No 256353. Charity Registration No 206002. Charity Registration Scotland No SC038828.