Veterans’ mental health charity Combat Stress has launched a new campaign to reveal the devastating isolation experienced by veterans with military-related trauma…

Combat Stress collaborated with Channel 4’s in-house creative agency 4creative to create the film Combat Stress – Bring Them Home, which shows how mental health problems such as PTSD can leave former servicemen and women withdrawn and isolated from family, friends and their community.

The film features a group of real-life veterans who have served in conflicts including Northern Ireland, Gulf War, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

After leaving the Armed Forces, veterans may physically be ‘at home’ but psychologically can be trapped in the past, reliving their trauma on the battlefield through flashbacks, nightmares and constant anxiety. Left untreated, the trauma can destroy relationships, tear families apart and devastate lives.

Sue Freeth, Chief Executive of Combat Stress, said: “Veterans tell us how they struggle to leave the battlefield behind, making it impossible for them to adjust to life back home. Through this film, we aim to raise awareness of the role the public can play in helping us to bring veterans home, all the way home.”

A team from 4creative created the film for Combat Stress for free. Working with a freelance crew and staff from post-production houses, the team donated their time and resources to make the film. Jack Croft and Stacey Bird from 4creative said:

“For this campaign we wanted to focus on Combat Stress’ role in treating veterans who suffer with the effects of war after they return. There is something terrifying about the idea that you can suffer flashbacks to what is very likely one of the worst moments of your life. That’s why we chose to focus on this symptom to bring the effects of PTSD to life for viewers.”

Combat Stress is asking the public to show their support for veterans by donating to the charity and sharing the film on social media. Referrals to Combat Stress have doubled over the last decade and the charity is heavily dependent on public donations to continue providing its life-changing treatment to veterans.

To find out more about the film and make a donation to Combat Stress visit www.combatstress.org.uk/future