What we do

Combat Stress provides a dedicated service for Veterans whose mental health condition is often complex and long term.  This service is NOT routinely available in the NHS or elsewhere. 

A small, but significant, number of Veterans leave the Armed Forces with a severe psychological wound such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  A symptom of PTSD is the frequent tendency to recall life-threatening incidents, which can lead to day and night terrors, mood swings, panic attacks and phobias.

Other debilitating conditions that Veterans may suffer from include depression and/or anxiety disorders. 

Combat Stress offers:

  • The Combat Stress 24-hour Helpline, 0800 138 1619 – Providing confidential help and advice on any mental health issues to the military community and their families.

  • An expanding community outreach service, delivered by teams of Mental Health Practitioners, Community
    Psychiatric Nurses, and Regional Welfare Officers.

  • Specialist clinical treatment at three short-stay residential centres in Shropshire, Surrey and Ayrshire. 

  • The Six-week Veterans' programme – a new programme, starting in September 2011, to provide enhanced treatment and rehabilitation for Veterans with complicated presentations of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

  • A Well-being and rehabilitation Programme – available to all Veterans receiving treatment in our short-stay centres, as part of a structured occupational therapy model. The timetable will include: employment mentoring; life skills workshops; social activities in the community; etc.

 Darren at work

“Honest to God, Combat Stress saved my life.  I wouldn't be here without them.”
Darren's experience