Sir Paul Beresford MP attends Combat Stress Open Day

Over 100 local residents and supporters of Combat Stress, the UK’s leading veterans’ mental health charity,  recently visited Tyrwhitt House, Leatherhead.

Importantly, this was the first open day the charity has been able to hold since the Covid-19 pandemic.

As well as guided tours around the charity’s facilities visitors also met Combat Stress staff.

Supporters found out more about the different types of treatment and activities veterans utilise during while treatment for PTSD and other mental health issues. This includes nursing, occupational therapy, psychology, and art therapy.

Giles Peel, Chairman of Combat Stress gladly welcomed the group and explained that the charity is 77% reliant on donations and has helped over 14,000 veterans in the last year alone.

(Sir Paul Beresford MP addresses the room)

Veteran Steve who successfully completed his treatment at Combat Stress spoke passionately about how he turned to the charity in 2020, during lockdown.

Steve (above in stripy jumper) served for over 23 years with tours including Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. Having left the Army in 2012 he  sought out Combat Stress for treatment in 2020.

Additionally, visitors could see artwork and crafts created by veterans as part of their art therapy.

When a veteran finds it difficult to talk about their experiences, they can use art materials to draw, paint or sculpt to share their feelings and illustrate their trauma.

Sir Paul Beresford MP said:

We are tremendously proud to have Tyrwhitt House in our constituency, it really is the jewel in our crown. The work Combat Stress does in treating those veterans with complex mental health issues is invaluable in helping them rebuild their lives. And the generosity of supporters both in the local area and further afield will help the charity continue to treat those veterans in need now and in the future.

A further Open Day is being planned for September 2023.

Find out more about Combat Stress plus fundraising challenges, opportunities and how you can support the charity.

Combat Stress is a Veterans’ Gateway Referral Partner