Over 100 local residents and supporters of Combat Stress, the UK’s leading veterans’ mental health charity, had the opportunity to find out more about what happens behind the gates at Tyrwhitt House, the charity’s South Hub, on Thursday 30 March.
South Hub Open Day. Combat Stress, Tyrwhitt House, Oaklawn Road, Leatherhead,
Thursday 30 March 2023
Visitors had guided tours around the charity’s facilities and met with a range of Combat Stress staff who explained the different types of treatment and activities veterans do while being treated for PTSD and other mental health issues. This includes nursing, occupational therapy, psychology, and art therapy.
Giles Peel, Chairman of Combat Stress welcomed the group to the first open day the charity has been able to hold since the Covid-19 pandemic. He thanked supporters for attending and explained that the charity is 77% reliant on donations and has helped over 14,000 veterans in the last year alone.
Also speaking was a veteran, Steve who successfully completed his treatment at Combat Stress. Steve spoke passionately about how he turned to the charity in 2020 during lockdown. Having served for over 23 years with tours including Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan he 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. Where a veteran finds it difficult to talk about their experiences, using art materials to draw, paint or sculpt to share their feelings or 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. If you would like to know more about Combat Stress, fundraising challenges, opportunities or how you can support the charity please visit: https://combatstress.org.uk/support-us
