Combat Stress, the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health, is inviting veterans, their families and the charity’s staff to take over its social media channels and share their own videos on Wednesday 10th October to mark World Mental Health Day…
The charity’s Twitter and Facebook accounts will be made available to former servicemen and women who have been supported by Combat Stress, along with staff and supporters, to post their videos about what mental health awareness means to them. By sharing their own thoughts and stories, our contributors will emphasise that it’s ok to talk about mental health.
Next month the nation commemorates the centenary of the end of the First World War, a conflict that saw more than 80,000 cases of shell shock reported. Combat Stress was founded in 1919 and has since treated thousands of former servicemen and women struggling with their mental health. In the last decade, the charity has seen a 97% increase in veterans seeking help.
Sue Freeth, Chief Executive of Combat Stress, said: “We know the real difference that conversations about mental health can make. Many veterans tell us how they found the courage to call us for help after hearing a former serviceman or woman open up about their own mental health.
“By sharing as many stories as possible from our staff, supporters and veterans on World Mental Health Day, we can break down stigma and reach out to veterans struggling in silence. We want to let veterans, their families and friends know that if they have any concerns about mental health, we’re here for them.”
