Combat Stress (charitable organisation)
Combat Stress, also known as The Veterans' Mental Health Charity, is a United Kingdom-based charitable organisation specializing in the treatment and support of British veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues related to military service.
Founded in 1919, originally as the Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society, its initial mission was to provide care for veterans returning from the First World War experiencing shell shock. Over the decades, the charity has expanded its services to support veterans from all subsequent conflicts, including the Second World War, the Korean War, the Falklands War, the Gulf Wars, and operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Combat Stress offers a range of services including:
- Residential Treatment: Providing intensive, short-term therapeutic programs at their treatment centres.
- Community Mental Health Teams: Delivering outreach support and treatment to veterans in their local communities.
- 24-Hour Helpline: Offering immediate support and guidance to veterans and their families.
- Occupational Therapy: Assisting veterans in regaining skills and independence.
- Substance Misuse Support: Addressing issues related to alcohol and drug dependence.
- Complex Trauma Services: Providing specialist treatment for veterans with particularly complex and challenging mental health needs.
The organisation relies heavily on fundraising, donations, and volunteer support to provide its services free of charge to veterans. Combat Stress actively campaigns to raise awareness of veterans' mental health issues and to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help. The charity also collaborates with other organisations and government agencies to improve the overall provision of mental health services for veterans in the UK.