Members of the Armed Force community who need support with their mental wellbeing are set to benefit from a new partnership between two specialist charities, The Poppy Factory and PTSD Resolution.
The charities have joined forces to make sure veterans and family members who experience post-traumatic stress, trauma or other mental health symptoms have access to a full range of services that could help them to enjoy greater wellbeing and stability.
The Poppy Factory helps veterans and their families on their journey towards employment, while often facing challenging situations. Each year, its specialist team helps hundreds of people across the UK to change their lives, taking positive steps forward on their own terms.
PTSD Resolution provides therapy for the mental welfare of those who have served in the Armed Forces, including veterans, reservists and their families. Treatment is free, effective and delivered promptly and locally through a network of 200 therapists nationwide, in person and by phone and online.
Detailed plans to enhance support for veterans and families are being developed by the two charities, who have signed a joint memorandum of understanding. This includes commitments to collaborate confidentially on research and develop specialist training.
The partnership is set to benefit more veterans like former soldier Rob McLaughlin, from Warrington, who struggled with alcohol after leaving the Forces. The Poppy Factory’s Navigator service, which offers pre-employment support in the community, and support from PTSD Resolution helped Rob to begin reconnecting with his community in Warrington and build the confidence to plan his own business.
Rob said:
“Alcohol can be a big part of Army life, and once you leave there are no restrictions. I took it to the extreme for 17 years and I was on a downward spiral. Somebody referred me to The Poppy Factory and I thought I’d give it a go.
“It was very difficult at first because I had a lot of social anxiety. Ben, my Navigator, made me believe in myself. He has been my emotional support. He helped me to go through cognitive behavioural therapy, and now I’m much more able to do things on my own.”
Collaboration between the two charities will build on the effective relationships that have already been built between The Poppy Factory, NHS partners and other organisations supporting better mental health, including through the Thrive Together regional networks.
Amanda Shepard, Chief Executive of The Poppy Factory, said:
“There is so much more within our society that can be done to improve support for members of the Armed Forces community who most need help. PTSD Resolution is doing inspiring work to address this, and I am excited that our new partnership will result in more choice and life-changing support reaching more veterans and families across the UK.”
Charles Highett, CEO of PTSD Resolution, said:
“This partnership with The Poppy Factory represents our shared commitment to ensuring veterans receive joined-up support that addresses both mental health and practical life challenges. We know that effective recovery requires more than just therapy – veterans need that vital bridge to employment, community connection, and rebuilding their lives. Through collaborative initiatives like Thrive Together, we’re demonstrating how much more we can achieve when organizations work together rather than in isolation, ensuring veterans like Rob can access the comprehensive support they deserve.”
