Spring 2020 – Issue 04 COMBAT STRESS

FLOWER POWER Find out why gardening boosts your wellbeing

IT TAKES TWO How our research is helping veterans and their partners

ON THE BUSES Creative fundraising with a free bus pass!

NEVER BEAN Veteran Nigel’s unique coffee BETTER initiative Contents – Combat Stress Editor’s letter – Combat Stress

Thank you! Spring 2020 – Issue 04 The last issue of our Editor’s letter magazine raised over £32,000. Thank you if you made a donation – IN THIS ISSUE big or small. It all adds up! WELCOME! Welcome to the latest You can also read about veteran Nigel’s inspirational 1. 18. Combat Stress Combat2Coffee programme and the reasons why he wants to help other veterans access the support he has benefitted A TRAVELLER’S TALE Editor issue of our magazine, EDITOR’S LETTER Sally George from. And we share John’s Great Bus Pass Challenge which Welcome to the latest issue. Intrepid fundraiser John Content writers which is packed with saw him travel from Land’s End to John O’Groats on his free Hadfield on his free bus pass Gill Perkins bus pass and raise money for us! 2. journey from Land’s End Caroline Allen features covering everything 12. to John O’Groats. Design from our inspirational And talking of fundraising, donations from supporters like LET’S GET INVOLVED Studio Texture John are vital to fund our work. Thank you so much if you’re What’s been happening BEHIND THE HEADLINES Photography Combat Stress 100 veteran one of the many people who provide much-needed support Karen Flower at Combat Stress? Tobias Ellwood MP on how 21. Paul Porter to Combat Stress. If you’re considering giving for the first we can do better for veterans. PAY IT FORWARD Az Rehman – Lemontree film project to our gardening time, this magazine will give you a great insight into how 4. The benefits of leaving a gift Photography expert’s top tips on how your donations make a difference. in your Will. Find out more VETERAN VOICES combatstress.org.uk the outdoors can boost We know that everyone manages their mental health in A frank and moving film fltiy different ways. That’s why we fund a range of occupational project created by, and 22. your wellbeing. therapy support including gardening, photography and talking to, veterans. © 2020 Combat Stress. woodwork to give veterans the time and space to recover. BEHIND THE SCENES All Rights Reserved. A chance to get to know our 14. Combat Stress, Company Registered in Personally, I have used meditation over the last couple of Chairman and trustees. England & Wales No. 256353. Charity years to help me get through some of my own difficulties. FLOWER POWER Registration No. 206002 (SC038828 in Our occupational therapist talks Scotland). Registered Office: Combat Being present and aware of my breath gives my mind space about gardening and why it’s Stress, Tyrwhitt House, Oaklawn Road, to rest, rather than getting caught up in spiralling thoughts. Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 0BX great for your mental wellbeing. Whilst all reasonable care is made to I hope you enjoying reading this issue. ensure accuracy of information, the publisher accepts no responsibility for the views or claims made by any of the 8. contributors, advertising or editorial 16. content included. All rights reserved. 24. Reproduction in whole or part without NEVER BEAN BETTER COME TOGETHER prior permission is strictly prohibited. How veteran Nigel turned Ground-breaking research, LOOKING AFTER ME The views expressed by contributors are his life around after PTSD piloted by Combat Stress, Actor Cliff Parisi talks not necessarily those of Combat Stress. All information in this magazine is correct Sally George and is now using coffee to focuses on the partners of about nerves, flying and at time of printing. Please pass on or Editor recycle your magazine. help others do the same. veterans with PTSD. deep breathing. [email protected]

We are Combat Stress, the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health. When a veteran is having a tough time, we’re there to help them tackle the past and take on the future.

combatstress.org.uk | 24-hour Helpline 0800 138 1619 1 Let’s get involved – Combat Stress Let’s get involved – Combat Stress

TOP FORM COMING UP... For the third time Wincanton and We have a busy season The Jockey Club hosted the Combat of events coming up – Stress Race Day in October 2019 for LET’S GET why not join us for one us and we are delighted that this latest race day raised of the following: more than £65,000! TIME TRAVEL Thank you to Thanks to funding from the Heritage Andrew Johnston INVOLVED Lottery Fund, we have recently MBE and the £65,000 Interested in supporting us? digitised our collection of historical Wincanton Race items. We have also created a new Day committee Here’s an update on our latest archive room at our Head Office for organising 19 MAR fundraising, plus some in Surrey. This fascinating archive such a great event. ideas for how you can is open to anyone – simply make Also thank you to everyone who Supporter get involved with an appointment with Archivist Clare Flanagan on 01372 587 185 or came along Dinner Combat Stress 5–7 JUNE [email protected] and donated. this year. 2020 Join us at One Great George Street, London for this annual event. For tickets DONATIONS WITH A DIFFERENCE call 01372 587 148 or email CAN YOU TAKE [email protected] Did you know you can donate to You can also donate to Combat Stress Combat Stress when you’re shopping on eBay. When you’re next selling an ON THE D-DAY online? Just go to smile.amazon.co.uk, item, you can choose what percentage sign in and select Combat Stress as of the sale price you want to donate to your chosen charity. Shopping is Combat Stress. the same as the regular site – and We can also collect money from your 24 APR Amazon donates 0.5% of every CHALLENGE? used postage stamps! Simply send eligible purchase to your charity. your stamps to: Fundraising Team, Royal Military This year, the extraordinary D-Day Challenge Combat Stress, Tyrwhitt House, offers a 22-mile walk, a 44-mile ultra-run Academy tour So far we’ve received an amazing Oaklawn Road, Leatherhead, or an 88-mile cycle! The route hugs the Surrey, KT22 0BX. We can then Our guest speaker at this event Normandy coast, taking in four of the famous swap them for funds. D-Day landing beaches and finishing at the is General the Lord Dannatt historic Pegasus Bridge. £32,160.09 To find out more about how to make GCB CBE. Find out more: a donation with a difference, email combatstress.org.uk/sandhurst Now that’s something to Places are limited so sign up on our [email protected] : smile about! website now combatstress.org.uk/dday or call on 01372 587 140

2 combatstress.org.uk | 24-hour Helpline 0800 138 1619 3 Veteran voices – Combat Stress Veteran voices – Combat Stress

by Nicola Hudson – PR and Communications Officer VETERAN

Combat Stress 100 The result of this collaboration is The film had its first screening at Chatting on a film a remarkable film and archive – the National Museum of Liverpool that might end up in a Combat Stress 100 – in which veterans in November 2019 as part of their Armistice commemoration. It’s had from a wide range of conflicts talk about museum one day has several other showings since then, their time in service, their experience of been incredible. If I can and you can catch it throughout the combat and the various ways they have year as we take it on a tour around help anyone, even just coped with the personal difficulties their the country. For the latest list of one person who thinks experiences have raised. screenings visit our website combatstress.org.uk VOICES ‘I feel like that’ and they Fifty hours of footage were recorded come and get help, from more than 70 interviews with then it’s been worth it.” veterans and Combat Stress staff. The interviews took place across the Davina, veteran volunteer In 2018, we were approached by UK in locations ranging from Queen’s A ground-breaking interviewer David Savill, Artistic Director at Age film project between University, Belfast to the St. Helen’s Exchange, a reminiscence charity, Rugby League Club in Merseyside. Combat Stress and about collaborating on a project to All the interviews were carried out by  reminiscence charity Age mark our Centenary. Now, with a really Sharing the legacy of conflict Combat Stress veterans, who received They gave profoundly remarkable film that takes a frank and training from Age Exchange in interview Exchange has led to more The partnership between Combat Stress moving accounts of their unashamed look at what serving in – and filming techniques, and who than 60 veterans sharing and Age Exchange, made possible experiences of being and coming out of – the armed forces travelled the country meeting veterans through funding from The National powerful stories of military really means to veterans, we’ve seen like themselves. All spoke candidly deployed to war zones, the Lottery Heritage Fund, saw the project this project have an extraordinary about their experiences. devastating impact on their service, combat, the impact launch in April 2019 and since then impact on everyone. mental health and their on their mental health and the project team, made up of the two The archive, available soon on the life after leaving the forces. charities and veterans, has worked Combat Stress website, will be courage and determination extremely hard to capture compelling accessible to current and future to rebuild their lives.” accounts from former servicemen veterans and their families seeking Nicola Hudson, and women across the country. mental health support. Combat Stress

4 combatstress.org.uk | 24-hour Helpline 0800 138 1619 5 Veteran voices – Combat Stress Veteran voices – Combat Stress

The power of speaking aloud Urging others to get help For many of the veterans we Of the veterans who shared their COMBAT interviewed, this marked the first time stories, many talked about the impact they had spoken out publicly about their that working with Combat Stress had experiences. Talking to other veterans on their lives, and encouraged anyone STRESS helped to build a bond that enabled who recognised what they were talking trust and sharing, and interviewees about to get help too. moved from being nervous of the David, a veteran interviewee, said: 100 camera to just talking very naturally – “When I self-referred to Combat Stress and movingly – about their struggles I was desperate. I had no-one else. I and how they managed difficult times. had nothing else to turn to. I think things are pretty highly likely that I wouldn’t be here today if Combat Stress hadn’t 100 years of veterans’ been there. A while ago, in my darker mental health moments, I had such a specific [suicide] We have published a history of plan that I was walking around with a PTSD is one of the worst letter for the coroner, explaining what Combat Stress to mark 100 years of things you can have. The supporting veterans’ mental health. 50 had happened. I don’t have that letter Hours of footage any more, thank goodness. I don’t carry other day, a little girl fell A Hundred Years of Veterans’ Mental it because I’m not in such a dark place.” over and burst out crying. Health: A History of Combat Stress recorded Just that one trigger – a has been compiled by Dr. Rachel Duffet, an expert in the social history screaming kid – took me of war in twentieth century Britain. straight back to combat. I was straight up into It is a fascinating insight into the original need for Combat Stress and survival mode. It took me the pioneering work we have done to six days to calm down.” support veterans from all conflicts who Brian, veteran interviewee struggle with mental health issues. 70

You can buy the book from Veteran interviews When I self-referred our online shop for just £10 to Combat Stress I was combatstress.org.uk/shop desperate. I had no-one else. I had nothing else CAN YOU SUPPORT OUR to turn to.” LIFE-CHANGING WORK? A donation today will help us provide David, veteran interviewee our vital services to veterans. Call us on 01372 587 151 combatstress.org.uk/donate, or visit 800 Limited edition history books printed as part of the project

6 combatstress.org.uk | 24-hour Helpline 0800 138 1619 7 Never bean better – Combat Stress Never bean better – Combat Stress

When Nigel called us, we were his last resort. Now, building on the confidence he’s gained from our treatment, he’s started a unique coffee venture that encourages other veterans to find the support they need.

8 combatstress.org.uk | 24-hour Helpline 0800 138 1619 9 Never bean better – Combat Stress Never bean better – Combat Stress

Nigel tells us in his I started ruminating about an incident Four weeks later I was doing some own words about during my time on operations in DIY at home and I had a total meltdown. how life has changed. Northern Ireland. For the next year it I ended up ripping the floor up – it totally took over my life – I suffered from caused a lot of stress and anxiety Combat2Coffee is a way I joined the Army when I was 18, depression, anxiety and flashbacks. for my wife and kids. for me to try and give serving in Northern Ireland and Bosnia. It had a huge impact on my family, something back to those I left in 2004 and had a successful I phoned the Combat Stress Helpline – but I was in complete denial about 10-year career with the prison service it was a difficult call to make. When who helped me but also the cause – I told myself I was angry as well as being a retained firefighter I came for an assessment, I broke support others who may about my dad’s death. and an active rugby player. down – it was the first time I’d been need the help I was so I started gambling and eventually able to talk about what had happened. In late 2014, everything changed. I had lucky to receive.” sought help from a gambling counsellor. I felt I was sharing with someone a shoulder replacement, took voluntary who understood. redundancy and my father passed She suggested I contact Combat away – all within a short period of time. Stress, but I said I didn’t need that I went from being the busiest man in kind of help. the world to a recluse.

I was recommended for the two-week on their feet. I also take one of my Anger Management programme. ‘coffee shops’ – either my converted During the course I was diagnosed with horsebox or my caravan – out and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) about to events. I want to spread the and then I went on to do the PTSD word that it’s OK to talk about mental Intensive Treatment Programme. health and share the journey I’ve been on. I just want to help others I put it off twice though, coming up with to get the help I’ve had. every excuse not to go, but now I’m so glad I did it. It helped me understand I’ve even got my own coffee, myself and how I’m feeling. ‘Recovery Blend’, a unique blend made from Brazilian coffee roasted I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Combat in Suffolk by Freshpac. It’s available Stress. I’ve been able to be open to buy with some of the proceeds with family and friends. My kids now going to Combat Stress. understand how PTSD affects me and Make your cup matter know that it’s not targeted at them. Before I sought help from Combat Stress, I was an angry, horrible, Are you a coffee shop regular? I wanted to continue my recovery bitter and confused person. I’d avoid Why not give up a couple of coffees journey, so I did a business course family situations and stay in bed all a month and help veterans. through Help for Heroes and it was weekend. I still have bad days now Set up a £5 monthly gift today and then I came up with the idea of but, thanks to Combat Stress, the big we’ll say thank you by sending you ‘Combat2Coffee’ – a way to provide difference is I know how to help myself. a reusable cup. rehabilitation, training and support Combat2Coffee is a way for me to armed forces veterans. Sign up at to try and give something back combatstress.org.uk/coffee So, alongside my full-time job, I give to those who helped me but also barista training in prisons and in the support others who may need the community to help veterans get back help I was so lucky to receive.

10 11 Behind the headlines – Combat Stress Behind the headlines – Combat Stress

“In my role as Under-Secretary for Life after the armed forces Defence, I was very involved with the veteran community. I think we “Service personnel come out with did good work – there is a sense of unbelievable skills, training and, purpose and direction, promoting resilience. They are team players with coordination amongst veteran good communication and management ELLWOOD’S ADVICE charities and raising awareness attributes, and they go into great jobs of mental health issues. or back into education. But the public’s TO VETERANS perception is that if you go to war, you’ll “We know that the biggest reason come out damaged. And if an employer people leave the forces is because believes that, he or she may reject HOW CAN WE the welfare and support that we give perfectly good and valuable people to the family isn’t always there. Often, with military experience – skills that people join the forces when they are you often don’t learn in civvy street. DO BETTER BY single – ready for adventure around the world. But while they’re serving, The Office for You’re not alone. There OUR VETERANS? they get married, have children and Veterans’ Affairs those people need to be looked are people in exactly the after – if we don’t look after the whole “The creation of The Office for Veterans’ same position as you. family, we lose the serving soldier, Affairs stemmed from outside pressure sailor or airman we invested in in the to put the concerns of veterans at the We met Tobias Make that call to first place. front and centre of government. I wish Ellwood MP at his this new project well. Combat Stress – no one’s Raising awareness going to judge you for Westminster office to “What charities like Combat Stress do discuss veteran mental of mental health is absolutely invaluable. The role of the wanting to talk. health and his previous “We have to get away from the fact charitable sector in the UK is perhaps role as Parliamentary that service personnel can present unique and, along with the Armed If you’re worried about with a physical injury without fear Forces Covenant, will continue to offer someone, encourage Under-Secretary of that it will affect their career, but they incredible support to people when they them to talk. Sit with State for Defence. need it most.” wouldn’t dare suggest that there is them while they make something wrong with their mind. the call. With a military background and a strong “The armed forces need tough commitment to the Armed Forces and characters, but they have to stay You are part of an veterans, Tobias was instrumental in tough and that means having the promoting veteran mental health support ability to let off steam – to clear amazing community during his time in the Ministry of Defence. the mind. that you joined when You can talk to us “When I came into my ministerial job “As soon as you join the armed you signed up and you there were some immediate things forces now, you’re made aware If you’re currently serving or have served never really leave it. to look at. Finance was one – I’ll of the places you can get help – in the UK Armed Forces, you can call the continue to claim that if Britain wants like the Combat Stress 24-hour Combat Stress 24-hour mental health The help is there. an international role, our defence helpline. Veterans and their families can Helpline. This means that when Please use it.” spending must increase. And it’s people are in their darkest place call 0800 138 1619. Serving personnel 0800 323 4444. always the things away from the they don’t have to hunt for contacts and their families can call theatre of operations that get cut first. or telephone numbers.

12 combatstress.org.uk | 24-hour Helpline 0800 138 1619 13 Flower power – Combat Stress Flower power – Combat Stress

by Sarah Goodman – Occupational Therapist Sarah Goodman is an Occupational From trowel to table Therapist at our Hollybush House FEELING GREEN One of the great things about our treatment centre in Scotland. gardens is that we grow a lot of She tells us about the benefits FINGERED? produce. That means veterans can be that gardening brings. involved in every step – from choosing Sarah shares five ways what is planted to harvesting the fruit you can start gardening or vegetables and learning about What’s special about healthy eating and cooking. They are right now. gardening? more likely to continue their interest in gardening once they get home, having Working in a garden has physical learned some key skills, enjoyed being and mental health benefits, including out in – which boosts serotonin increased relaxation, lower anxiety and levels – and working as a team with Find an area you can create lifting your mood. It can also improve other veterans. a garden, this may even be alertness and cognitive abilities, build indoors, or on your balcony. self-esteem and skills, and restore belief As with any garden, the Combat Stress in your own abilities. It gives you exercise gardens are continuously evolving – sometimes without you realising it – projects that will need attention and connects you to nature which is and care from whomever is here. restorative when stress levels are high. At Hollybush House we are planning a further vegetable growing area built Ask what you want from a out of recycled tyres and more new garden – flowers or produce sensory elements for this year. or both? It helps you get that little bit of yourself back.” Veteran, Hollybush House The power of gardening At Hollybush House, veterans, Start small – don’t set alongside our own garden team, have yourself too big a challenge. 1 been working on a garden project It supports our clinical therapy since June 2018. Together we have 2 It’s a good place to come after an built raised beds, planted vegetables intensive group or 1-2-1 sessions and herbs, and constructed a seating 3 The garden is always there – area and planted shrubs. For some, no need to make an appointment Get help from friends and it’s enough to sit outside and take in or wait in line family – it may be a way to the view; for others, the physical work Our gardens and allotments spend time with kids. of digging, building and planting, along 4 It has sensory benefits – are a haven for veterans, with planning what to grow, really scent, taste, texture, visual allowing them to get hands-on with helps to manage mental wellbeing. 5 Helps with acceptance – growing, and giving them valuable plants don’t judge space to process their thoughts. 6 Gives veterans caring and Enjoying your garden, don’t nurturing responsibilities feel you always have to work in it – just sit and relax!

14 combatstress.org.uk | 24-hour Helpline 0800 138 1619 15 Come together – Combat Stress Come together – Combat Stress

by Dr Dominic Murphy – Head of Research COME TOGETHER Over the past five years, thanks to The initial programme was offered After realising that full-time work, family This has been a positive programme at city-centre locations at eight sites demands and caring responsibilities and we are looking at whether we funding from The , across the UK, with five face-to-face had meant some partners were can develop a dedicated partner’s we have worked on projects to understand group sessions over five weeks. It unable to take part in the face-to-face programme as part of our overall the needs of veterans’ partners and test the focused on teaching partners how to sessions, we adapted The Together services in the future. best ways to support them. recognise the symptoms of mental Programme into a six-week group that health issues. We provided a space can be delivered via webinars. We are to discuss concerns with peers and currently piloting this project and will In 2014, we started a study in the UK highlighted the mental health services have some results later in the year. looking at the mental health needs in their area. I realised that I am part of the partners of veterans diagnosed No longer alone Those who took part felt that they had with PTSD. of a wider community been able to concentrate on their own Feedback from the initial programme showed that participants found it The study showed that partners living feelings and wellbeing, and that they where others are helpful to see that they were not alongside veterans with mental health could understand their partner’s alone, and learned how they could going through similar problems are at high risk of developing mental health more clearly. look after themselves and their mental health difficulties, including experiences to me.” partner in the future. having symptoms of PTSD themselves. A veteran’s partner who took part We wanted to give those people the 94% said they were extremely likely in The Together Programme opportunity to talk about their own to recommend the programme to experiences, worries and stresses, friends and family. away from their partner and in a And our own evaluations showed that supportive and safe environment. The Together Programme improved Talk to us if you’re a partner So we developed a pilot project: the mental health of partners. The Together Programme. or a veteran Participants also reported that the Our Helpline is open 24/7. Call programme helped them to gain * or , text 07537 404 719 coping strategies for themselves, 0800 138 1619 email [email protected] a greater understanding of PTSD and the opportunity to talk to people *(Standard charges may apply for texts, please check with your provider.) having similar experiences.

16 combatstress.org.uk | 24-hour Helpline 0800 138 1619 17 A traveller’s tale – Combat Stress A traveller’s tale – Combat Stress

John O’Groats Retired soldier and police officer John Hadfield took on an intrepid expedition from one end of the UK to Inverness the other – using his bus pass – in aid Aberdeen of Combat Stress and the Household

Dundee Cavalry Foundation.

Edinburgh Berwick- In 2009, John turned 60 and got his bus pass. “I thought on-Tweed ‘I could go anywhere!’ and wondered about how easy it Newcastle would be to get from Land’s End to John O’Groats on a A bus pass.” Closer to his 70th birthday, the plan started to take shape. “My wife Ann and I were having a drink and we got chatting York about things we have always wanted to do. I mentioned the journey Land’s End to John O’Groats with my bus pass – Ann said ‘why don’t you?’ It was decided then to do it for charity and the two charities were chosen that night.”

Starting by buying a huge map of the UK to plot out his Tewkesbury journey, John, who has suffered from PTSD for many years, began to look at timetables and planned a route which took around eight days to complete. Collumpton TRAVELLER’S Life on the road Land’s End The journey itself was a bit of a revelation. John enjoyed the company of chatty bus drivers, the bus passengers who were interested in his story, people pointing him in the right (and sometimes the wrong) direction for his next bus, and received lots of donations along the way!

“I wore branded Combat Stress clothing and lots of people asked about my journey. When I told them, they gave me donations there and then, which was fantastic. At John O’Groats, I met a guy who had served in 1 Para. He took me to the famous signpost and took my ‘finishing’ photo before giving me a really generous donation – it’s the kindness of TALE people like that that’s made the whole journey worthwhile. “The nicest driver was on the long route from Inverness to Wick – he was so chatty and told me all about the area and the history – it was a real pleasure to ride with him. It was an amazing experience, and I’d encourage anyone to go a bit out of their comfort zone for a good cause.” 18 19 A traveller’s tale – Combat Stress Pay it forward – Combat Stress

by Sarah Seddon – Senior Supporter Care Officer EAT BUS PASS ADVEN THE GR TURE PAY IT FORWARD Inspired by John?

8 and looks after the very people If you would like to organise your own unique challenge One of the best parts DAYS who risk everything to keep us safe. for Combat Stress, contact our fundraising team on of my role is talking to 01372 587 140 or [email protected] supporters who are thinking That’s why it means so much to us We’ll send you a free fundraising pack and give you when someone is thinking about about leaving a gift in their all the support and advice you need. leaving a gift in their Will. Will. It’s such a kind and 29 It’s a lovely reminder that supporters BUSES thoughtful way of giving want to continue their help into the Thinking of taking on your own and I always highlight future and are standing with us, JOHN’S extreme or unusual challenge that every single pound they want to give something back. for Combat Stress? TOP TIPS donated as a legacy will 876 ­Sarah Seddon works in our make a positive difference MILES Fundraising Team looking Have a plan – to veterans who come to get as many people (plus extra for windy bus routes) after gifts in Wills. Here she on board as possible. talks about the positive impact us for help. Combat Stress is uniquely legacies make. capable of equipping Keep fundraising – Currently a huge 90% of our funding veterans with the tools and John is still raising is from voluntary donations with gifts money even though the techniques they need to £2,700+ in Wills funding one in five of the challenge is complete. RAISED handle the effects of PTSD. veterans we help. This really helps us I am delighted to help the provide our vital services to veterans. Don’t be shy – Our work saves lives and turns lives work of Combat Stress by brand yourself! around; it brings families back together leaving a legacy in my Will.” Carolyn, Combat Stress supporter Nothing is too silly in fact, the more –

ridiculous the better! 4 in 5 of the veterans we 1 in 5 of veterans we You can still donate to John via Please do think about supporting support have already tried help are completely his Virgin Money donation page us in this important way. You can to get help from the MoD or funded by gifts at virginmoneygiving.com/ call me for an informal chat on NHS before contacting us from Wills JohnHadfield 01372 587 144 or email me on Just do it! [email protected] £147 could pay for a veteran £3,220 could allow to have an individual us to run our 24-hour session with a psychologist Helpline for one week

20 combatstress.org.uk | 24-hour Helpline 0800 138 1619 21 22 Behind the scenes – scenes the Behind combatstress.org.uk Combat Stress | 0800 138 1619 138 0800 Helpline 24-hour BEHIND THE SCENES devote their time to us. devote time their have they decided to why into insight an give of trustees our Here three way.involved this in for reason getting personal do and oftenhave a very supportive work of the we They’re hugely Stress. of Combat management role the in plays avital Trustees of Board Our

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Combat Stress

23 Looking after me – Combat Stress Help support our work – Combat Stress

Why are you supporting Combat Stress? A paratrooper school friend told me about the charity several years ago and HELP SUPPORT OUR WORK since then, whenever I’ve been able LOOKING Your donation can help us provide life-changing treatment to do something for Combat Stress, I have. This amazing organisation and support to veterans with mental health problems. rescues people at the lowest points in their lives. So I will always support AFTER ME the work you do. I would like to give Combat Stress a gift of: £ You’ve been filming a new series Supporter no. (if known): Cliff Parisi has been of Call the Midwife – how do you Cliff with a veteran when he visited Combat Stress manage the stress of filming? on our screens in a I enclose a cheque (payable to Combat Stress) The most important thing is not to get in there that you should probably do OR For every variety of roles, from Minty sucked in by it all. In our industry, it’s not something about. £1 spent: Please debit my MasterCard/Visa/Maestro/Amex/CAF card Peterson in EastEnders the end of the world if you get it wrong – We talked about a particular incident it’s only telly. I’ve learned that none of it to Fred Buckle in Call the in my life that I didn’t really pay much is worth the stress and once you get to Card number: / / / Midwife. We caught up attention to at the time, but as I talked that point, it’s all a lot easier to do. 81P about it, I realised it had had more of an with him at a Combat Stress Expiry date: / Issue no: supports veteran Are the pressures different for effect on my life than I realised. It made treatment centre, where for Maestro only treatment stage acting than TV acting? me think about what the veterans at he was supporting our Theatres blows and TV sucks: in TV Combat Stress have to cope with Full Name: Egg Banjo breakfast you draw the audience in; on stage every day. you have to blow them away. It’s a Home address: fundraising campaign. completely different technique. And What’s your top tip for when 16P

you have a one-shot opportunity with things get on top of you? is invested in I don’t use it like I used to, but I always Post code: a theatre audience – but they’re never fundraising used to find a simple exercise of just going to come back so they’ll never controlling your breathing, which slowly Please send this form with your donation to the following address: know whether you got it right or not! Freepost RTKB-SYUY-CZYR, Combat Stress, starts to empty your mind and you can Tyrwhitt House, Oaklawn Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 0BX There can be real pressure with lines give your brain a bit of a holiday. Even if Or call 01372 587 151 for TV – scripts get edited right up to the 3P it’s just five minutes to take a break and Or visit combatstress.org.uk/donate raises awareness minute you film, so you’re often coming give yourself time. in early and having to learn new lines at For details on how we process your data please visit combatstress.org.uk/privacy. You can update your contact preferences at any time by contacting our Supporter Care Team on the same time as being in costume and Call the Midwife is currently on BBC1 01372 587 151, emailing [email protected] or by visiting combatstress.org.uk/preferences make-up, but it’s part of the job and you on Sundays at 8pm. learn to take it as it comes. Please send me a thank I’d like to give regularly, please I would like to receive you letter. send me a Direct Debit form. information about gifts in Wills. Have you had a particular challenge you’ve needed to overcome? I am a UK Tax Payer and understand that if I pay less Income For the next job I’m doing, I had to There’s still time to take part in our Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid Gift Aid – By ticking this box I confirm claimed on all my donations in that tax year that it is my experience a therapy session for Egg Banjo breakfast fundraising campaign. Check out that I would like all past, present and responsibility to pay any difference. Please notify us if you want myself to see what it was like. I found future donations to Combat Stress to cancel this declaration, change your name or home address it incredible – once you open that combatstress.org.uk/eggbanjo to be treated as Gift Aid donations. or no longer pay sufficient Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax.

cupboard, there’s quite a lot of stuff Please note we require your full name and home address to claim Gift Aid. SpM20 24 combatstress.org.uk | 24-hour Helpline 0800 138 1619 Walk 10 miles on any day during the month of March to raise funds for life-changing mental health treatment for veterans. MARCH It’s easy to take part – simply register online, decide when and where you’re going to walk and IN MARCH then get started! FIND OUT MORE

marchinmarch.co.uk

Company Registered in England & Wales No 256353. Charity Registration No 206002 (SC038828 in Scotland). Please recycle