Combat Stress has been awarded a grant from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT) to develop a new family activity book designed to help veterans talk with their children about the impact of military trauma and Complex PTSD.
The Family Veterans Activity Book will be a purpose-designed therapeutic resource for veterans and children aged six to 10. Aimed at families already experiencing the impact of a parent’s mental health issues, the workbook will help strengthen relationships, encourage open communication and provide a shared language for discussing difficult emotions and experiences.
The book will offer comfort, clarity and reassurance by explaining complex topics in a gentle, accessible way, helping families better understand and support one another.
Dr Lee Robinson of Combat Stress said:
“The development of this book is in response to feedback from veterans who told us that they wanted support for how best to speak to their children about the impact psychological trauma has had on them, and their symptoms of Complex PTSD.
“It will be co-produced with families, veterans with PTSD and a team of experts, in the hope of providing a valuable resource for families to speak about the impact of military trauma and enable children to better understand what is going on for their parents.”
Anna Wright, Chief Executive of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, said:
“We are pleased to support Combat Stress with a grant for the Family Veterans Activity Book project. This funding will help provide important support for veteran families, recognising the value of early intervention and resources that can make a meaningful difference to family wellbeing.
“By backing projects like this, we can help ensure families have access to support that strengthens relationships and promotes greater understanding and resilience.”
The project will be co-produced with veterans, families and clinical experts to ensure it meets the needs of those living with the effects of trauma and provides practical support for family wellbeing.
