 
Combat Stress is the only UK charity offering support to veterans suffering from psychological disabilities as a result of their time in the Armed Forces. Established 88 yeasrs ago, the charity has helped over 75.000 ex-soldiers cope with mental illness. Every year 3500 veterans can spend an average of six weeks at one of three Combat Stress centres away from the pressure of life 'in civvy street'. Tyrwhitt House is the centre accommodating veterans from the south of England.
'Once we take someone on, our commitment to them is for life.' This is how Robert Marsh, director of fundraising and PR, and a veteran himself, simply explains the charity's role. This lifelong dedication is what keeps many veterans alive. |
Malcom Smith served two terms in Northern Irland and says candidly 'this is an oasis, if it wasn't for this place I wouldn't be here'.
Once left the military, many veterans go on to start families, careers and successful busnesses until, on average 14 years on, depression, anger, paranoia or panic attacks, take control over their lives. Unable to admit they need help, they often seek refuge in alcohol or drug abuse and it is usually only as a last resort, pushed by family, friends or a probation officer, that, by now broken beyond repair they seek help at Combat Stress.
Like a death sentence, PTSD hangs over them restricting their daily lives and that of their families. All the veterans can hope for is to get better at coping with their illness. To think they could ever achieve anything that would be considered a cure is completely futile.
It is foreseen that the number of soldiers from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars seeking help for PTSD related ilnesses will reach its peak in 10-15 years. |
