The events in Afghanistan are causing strong emotional reactions for former members of the armed forces, as well family members, many of whom work in the security industry, says Patrick Rea, Campaign Director of PTSD Resolution.
The armed forces’ charity has seen a surge in enquiries from veterans seeking help with mental health issues as they follow the news coverage. Many veterans, who suffered directly or witnessed terrible sights including the loss or injury of comrades, now find they are severely disturbed by memories of their experiences.
PTSD Resolution works and partners with security organisations to successfully fund treatment for veterans working in the sector, including with the City Security Council, ASIS, CSSC and City of London Crime Prevention Association. The charity is now launching a further appeal for support to meet the upsurge in demand following recent events in Afghanistan.
PTSD Resolution – a member of the Cobseo group of veterans charities – provides therapy for the mental welfare of forces’ veterans, reservists and their families, with some 3,000 referrals to date. Trauma treatment is free and can be promptly accessed either locally in person or over the internet, through a network of 200 UK therapists.
Therapy is delivered in an average of six therapy sessions, with measurement of symptoms before and after each visit. In 78% of cases, there is an improvement in symptoms to a level where the client and therapist agree that no further therapy is required.
Security industry initiatives include TATE, Trauma Awareness Training for Employers. This is a half-day workshop to enable security line managers and HR teams to be able to recognise the symptoms of trauma, and then direct staff members to further mental health support, which PTSD Resolution can provide.
Statement by General Sir John McColl KCB CBE DSO, Chairman of Cobseo: “The Armed Forces Community, those in uniform, veterans and their families have invested a huge amount in the future of the Afghan people. We served believing that we were doing the right thing in support of a just cause, helping the Afghans rebuild their nation and reducing the risk to the UK of terrorist attacks such as 9/11. The British forces in Afghanistan served with honour, professionalism, bravery and distinction in extremely difficult circumstances.
“It is a record to be proud of. Families who provided support for over 20 years, experiencing the loneliness and worry of separation, raising children on their own for extended periods, and for some enduring the pain of loss, should also be recognised. We have been in touch with MPs, and Ministers through the Office for Veteran’s Affairs, to try to ensure that they highlight the extraordinary nature of that service in their communications as the situation develops.
“The political decision to leave Afghanistan to the Taliban will generate a mixture of emotions: anger, frustration, and a strong sense of being let down. It will be a particularly difficult time for those who have given the most.”
Key features of PTSD Resolution’s charitable service are:
If you are a veteran, reservist, or family member affected by the news on Afghanistan, then contact PTSD Resolution to discuss the help the charity can provide: free, local, prompt and effective. All donations towards this charitable service are gratefully received.
Find out more information, here.
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