Military veterans in Greater Manchester invited to share their story of recovery from mental health problems

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Veterans’ mental health charity, Combat Stress, is inviting former servicemen and women they have supported in Greater Manchester to share their story of recovery for a special film.

To commemorate the charity’s centenary this year, Combat Stress has partnered with reminiscence arts charity, Age Exchange, to interview 100 veterans and their families across the UK.

The interviews will create a living archive called Combat Stress 100, which will be available to view by veterans and their families seeking mental health treatment in the future, as well as by medical professionals and students to better understand military-related trauma.

The interviews will also form part of a multimedia exhibition that will tour the country later this year to raise awareness of veterans’ mental health and the support available.

Interviews, which last approximately 45 minutes, will take place at St Helen’s RFC Totally Wicked Stadium on 18 and 19 July 2019 and at the Museum of Liverpool on 20 and 31 July 2019.

Veterans will be filmed talking about their experience of serving in the military, how it had an impact on their mental health and what support they received from Combat Stress. They will not be asked to go into detail about the cause of their trauma. Partners and adult children are also welcome to share their stories as the mental health of veterans can have an impact on their loved ones.

Sue Freeth, Chief Executive of Combat Stress, said: “This is an invaluable opportunity to share the stories of veterans and their families who will convey in their own words the impact of living with military-related mental health.

"By creating a living archive of veterans’ stories, as well as those of their loved ones, we aim to further reduce the barrier to seeking help and increase the public understanding and respect for the impact on individuals lives.”

To register interest in taking part, veterans or their family members should email stories@combatstress.org.uk stating which date they’d like to do an interview.

This unique project has been made possible by a significant award of £98,300 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.