They fight our wars. We fight their battles.

WWW.combaTsTress.org.uk

NewsNewsletter of the ex-services meNtal welfare society

spriNg 2013

Registered Charity Number: 206002. Charity Number Scotland: SC 038828.

Company limited by guarantee: Registration Number 256353

How supporters are going the extra mile to raise funds

life in the dayof a Community Outreach Team

Campaign successUpdate on The Enemy Within Appeal

battliNg stigma

Drawn from experienceHelping Veterans heal through Art Therapy

rehabilitatioN

treatmeNt

new heights

fundraiser Keith bunnett on top of mont blanc

Reaching

2 COMBAT STRESS nEwS | spring 2013 www.combatstress.org.uk

The Invisible woundedalthough it was some months ago now, you may have seen

the powerful, thought-provoking documentary The Invisible

Wounded on sky tV. presented by ross kemp and broadcast

on 12 november 2012, it explored the devastating effects of

mental illness on those who have served in our armed Forces.

we worked closely with ross and his team and were very

pleased with the result. many of the Veterans who spoke in

the programme are supported by combat stress and i was

humbled by the courage they demonstrated in sharing very

personal dark times, on camera in front of journalists, for

public consumption. without such powerful testimony, the

documentary could not have been made and our ability to

reduce stigma, find those in need and help them would be

compromised. thank you to everyone involved with this fine

programme which reinforces the good work we are doing,

with the help of comic relief, to reduce stigma.

this year, the number of approaches to combat stress for

help has risen steadily. we continue to diversify the care we can

give, seeking to share the load with the nHs, local authorities

and other charities. with invaluable support from our extensive

community outreach service, we are all working hard and in

new ways to provide our Veterans with the right treatment

and support, at a time and place that is right for them.

to this end we have recently expanded our ptsD intensive

treatment programme to our two other treatment centres —

audley court in shropshire and Hollybush House in ayrshire,

meaning that we can provide this innovative treatment

programme to more Veterans around the uk (page 10).

in the last month we have also had unannounced inspections

by the care Quality commission and the scottish care

inspectorate. the outcomes were most satisfactory and we

were commended for our openness and for involving our

Veterans and staff in the change programme that is underway.

community outreach services are very stretched and in

need of careful reorganisation to ensure Veterans get the

best care we can afford. we are increasingly working with the

nHs and sister charities to share the load, but we have to do

more. a study is underway, which reports to me in march, to

work out how we can do better. please turn to pages 6-7 to

read more about the support we offer in the community.

i hope you enjoy this edition of Combat Stress News. i also

hope you will support us on our journey to reach out to more

ex-service men and women and help them rebuild their lives.

Thank you.

The briefby chief executive Andrew Cameron

Intelligencenews/campaigns/stats

A farewell to Clive Fairweather

Colonel Clive Fairweather, a great

friend of Combat Stress and a

champion for Veterans across the

UK, passed away in Edinburgh on

12 October 2012.

Clive was a wonderful man

whose commitment to Veterans’

welfare never faltered. His

distinguished career saw him

serve in the King’s Own Scottish

Borderers and 22 SAS (he was

second-in-command at the

Iranian Embassy siege in London

in 1980). After leaving the Army,

Clive worked as Chief Inspector of

Prisons in Scotland and fundraiser

for Combat Stress in Scotland.

His compassion and leadership

skills were abundantly clear,

and all those who worked with

him will remember not just his

commitment but his charm and

good humour.

Andrew Cameron, Combat

Stress’s Chief Executive, paid

tribute to Clive: “It was with great

sadness that we learned of Clive

Fairweather’s passing. Clive was a

tireless servant of Combat Stress,

and a wonderful advocate of our

work and the issue of Veterans’

welfare. He raised thousands of

pounds to support our vital work

and greatly raised awareness

of the mental health needs of

Scottish Veterans.

“Clive had a wonderful rapport

with Veterans and, as an ex-

Service man of considerable

distinction himself, was trusted

and respected by them. His energy

and passion will be sorely missed.”

Clive Fairweather will be greatly missed by

everyone at Combat Stress

Veterans’ champion & friend

RAISIng A FORTunEA massive thank you to the Daybreak team (right) for donating their £30,000 winnings on ITV’s All Star Family Fortunes to Combat Stress.

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WWW.COMBATSTRESS.ORG.UK SPRING 2013 | COMBAT STRESS NEWS 3

Intelligence

John Marham, Julian Sayers and Peter Poole at the National Service of Remembrance

Veterans’ poetry published Courage and Strength is an inspiring collection of stories and poems by Combat Stress Veterans, featuring an introduction by broadcaster Sandi Toksvig and a foreword by General the Lord Richard Dannatt, GCB CBE MC DL. All proceeds from the sale of this book go to Combat Stress. To purchase a copy please visitwww.legendpress.co.uk or call 01372 587 146.

Paying our respectsOver 30 Combat Stress Veterans, along with wives, partners, carers and staff, represented Combat Stress at the National Service of Remembrance held at The Cenotaph, to show their respect for the sacrifi ces made by Service men and women. Paul Barnsley, ex-Royal Artillery, handed over the Combat Stress wreath before the group marched to Horse Guards Parade to observe the salute from HRH The Earl of Wessex.

Hanging up your boots The forthcoming event Hanging up your boots

will feature Josh Lewsey MBE (left) talking to

Michael Vaughan OBE, former England cricketer;

Brigadier. Ed Butler CBE DSO, former commander

of the SAS; and Damian Hopley, CEO of the

Rugby Players’ Association. Ed will discuss life

after the Services, while Michael and Damian will

talk about life as sporting stars. Proceeds from

the event, taking place on Thursday 21 February,

will be split between Restart and Combat Stress.

To book tickets see the enclosed events calendar

or visit www.combatstress.org.uk/events.

Veterans take Gadget ChallengeAudley Court Treatment Centre is running ‘Gadget Challenge’ sessions courtesy of RAF Cosford educational unit. Veterans have been building vehicles powered by an air compressor (such as a hovercraft). The goal is to travel furthest, and we even have a leader board, just like on Top Gear!

Fancy a holiday in rural France?If the answer is 'yes', then Rosy

and John Rabson simply request

that you donate generously to

Combat Stress to stay in their

delightful cottage in rural

Burgundy, France. The

cottage sleeps four to

fi ve and is equipped down

to the last teaspoon. For

bookings, photographs and

links to tourist attractions

etc, please visit www.

charity-cottage.org.uk

or email Rosy or John:

rosemary.border@numeo.fr

or john.rabson@numeo.fr.

Arise Sir SimonCongratulations to Combat Stress Trustee Prof Simon Wessely on his recent knighthood for services to Military Healthcare and to Psychological Medicine.

New website launched

The new combatstress.org.uk website has now gone live! The

site offers more information about the work we do, as well as easier access to all of our services for those who may

need our help. Come and visit us!

This event is proudly sponsored by:

Fundraising

4 COMBAT STRESS NEWS | SPRING 2013 WWW.COMBATSTRESS.ORG.UK

£450pays for a day’s

Outpatients assessment, diagnosis and clinical sessions at one of our

Treatment Centres

£70will help run a

support group in the community for the partners and carers

of Veterans Thank you!Our supporters continue to amaze us with inventive and challenging ways to raise funds. A massive thank you to every single one of you. We really appreciate your dedication.

March 2012, raising £863.75. The March is an

annual 46-mile long-distance walk around the four

main air bases of the Pathfi nder Force: RAF Wyton

(the HQ), RAF Graveley, RAF Oakington and RAF

Warboys (Training Base).

A Minute for the FallenTony Gardner completed the ‘A Minute for the

Fallen’ challenge, running/cycling one minute for

every fallen soldier in Afghanistan (totalling more

than seven hours), raising over £2,000.

Port to portFalklands 30: 2012 was the 30th Anniversary of

the Falklands War. To mark this occasion, four

ex-members of 9 Parachute Squadron, Royal

Engineers, Bob Chatterton, Steve Morris, Dave

Leibrick and Jamie Rankine, ran non-stop from

Port San Carlos to Port Stanley in November 2012.

Redwoods Challenge Staff of South Staffordshire & Shropshire NHS

Foundation Trust completed a 54-mile walk over

two days, raising over £1,500.

Sky diveThank you to Alba Military Fitness who train

at Strathclyde Park, Motherwell, for their

fundraising efforts, including a sky dive by

Skye McLeod raising £1,000!

Tank’d upTeam Tank’d Up are four Ayrshire taxi

Support through music

Our supporters with

musical talents have been

busy again with a number

of singles released in

support of Combat Stress.

Indie/rock band Clacket

Lane moved us with their

fantastic song Home Again

and touching accompanying

video; 17-year-old singer-

songwriter Rebecca James

released the beautiful

Feel The Rain; and the

poignant Soldier Song

came from folk musician

Steve Donnelly.

WINCHESTER CONCERT In November,

Winchester Music Club,

led by Christopher Green,

organised a powerful

performance of Benjamin

Britten’s War Requiem at

Winchester Cathedral. With

more than 300 performers

from Winchester Music Club,

Winchester College Glee

Club and Winchester Music

Club Orchestra combining

forces with Winchester

College Quiristers and

Southern Pro Musica, the

night was a huge success,

raising well over £9,000 for

Combat Stress.

SCOTTISH SUPPORT Catherine Ross

organised superb

entertainment in Aberdeen

with the Royal Marine

Military Band, raising

a fantastic £3,215.

The congregation

of Coylton Church

held a musical

evening, raising

£1,300.

Mountain LionsWill Quilter, aged 16, climbed Kilimanjaro,

raising a wonderful sum of £2,257.50 and

ex-Service man Keith Bunnett climbed Mont

Blanc as a personal challenge, raising £906.

Climbing the MatterhornCaroline Horsburgh and Tobias Buckler climbed

the Matterhorn, raising £8,872 between them.

The challenge consisted of nine days walking and

climbing in the mountains, with an ascent of the

Matterhorn in the fi nal couple of days.

Tough Mudders and TriathlonGavin Mann and Ben White completed Tough

Mudder in November, raising over £1,400.

Major Cameron Angus and Team True Spirit

Triathlon raised £958.25. The team consisted of

Service men and support staff who undertook a

series of races in 2012, culminating in the Ironman

UK Triathlon — a one-day endurance event.

RAF Pathfi nder MarchPeter Sullivan took part in the RAF Pathfi nder P

ho

to: C

hri

s L

aw

ren

ce/A

lam

y

Our cover star Keith Bunnett on top of

Mont Blanc

Tough Mudders Gavin Mann and Ben White

Fundraising

www.combatstress.org.uk� spring�2013�|�COMBAT STRESS nEwS��5

You’ve been fantastic!Combat Stress would like to

give special thanks to these

people for their support:

Paul welton has raised

over £1,700 since June

2011 through collections

and selling our charity

merchandise.

Mike Ingle climbed

Kilimanjaro, raising £1,297.75

in the process.

Thorntoun Estate at Crosshouse held their annual

fete and donated £2,500

as a result.

Hugo Parkinson ran the Race

to Midnight, raising £1,746.20

Pupil Tilly Barley of Heathfield

School, Ascot, nominated

us to be the recipient of

proceeds raised from the

school’s annual Christmas

Fair held on 24 November,

totalling over £1,000

Paul McVey held a martial

arts evening in Kilmarnock in

November and raised £717.

Steve woodford and staff at

the White Horse at Dalrymple

held a gala day for the Jubilee

and donated £870.

Glensone Garden opened its

gates as part of the Scottish

Open Garden Scheme,

and owners william and Josephine Millar were able to

send us a cheque for £640.

Isobelle Quigley raised

£1,018 by selling her hand-

made knitted poppies for

Remembrance Day.

We are grateful to everyone who has given up their time and energy to fundraise on our behalf, and to everyone who has donated. Your stories and commitment are spectacular and we thank every one of you.

drivers�who�travelled�over�2,500�miles�across�

europe�in�a�camouflaged�Volvo�as�part�of�this�

year’s�screwball�rally�and�raised�£1,180.

Summer runnersJuly�saw�85�combat�stress�runners�brave�the�

british�summer�in�the�british�10k�London�run�and�

enjoy�a�post-race�picnic�at�the�in�and�out�club,�

raising�over�£13,000.�our�supporters�again�hit�the�

streets�of�London�in�october�for�the�royal�parks�

Half�marathon.�61�runners�(including�a�team�from�

allocate�software�and�a�combat�stress�Viking!)�

made�their�way�around�the�13.1�mile�course�and�

raised�a�fantastic�total�of�over�£36,000 in�the�

process.�Hundreds�of�our�other�amazing�volunteers�

took�part�in�runs�the�length�and�breadth�of�the�

country,�including�Sean Bonner�(66�mile�ultra�

marathon),�Holly Hodge�(glasgow�Half�marathon),�

and�Dean Bailey and his team (24-hour�adidas�

thunder�run),�helping�to�raise�over�£123,000�for�

combat�stress�in�2012.

Intrepid adventurerin�september�2011,�volunteer�fundraiser�and�

courageous�explorer�nathan Jones left�home�in�

bristol�for�an�intrepid�journey�cycling�the�12,000�

miles�to�tokyo.�nathan�faced�torrential�rain,�snow�

and�problems�with�visas�along�the�way.�a�huge�

thank�you�and�congratulations�to�nathan�because�

in�september�2012�he�completed�his�epic�challenge,�

raising�a�fantastic�amount�for�combat�stress.�en�

route�nathan�kept�us�all�up�to�date�with�his�fantastic�

blog.�to�read�about�his�trip�and�see�nathan’s�

photos�visit�www.cyclingtowardsthesun.co.uk

Battle Proms�it�was�our�eighth�year�at�the�ever�popular�

battle�proms�and�both�staff�and�volunteers�had�

tremendous�fun�at�all�six�shows,�collecting�£21,536�

in�the�process.�JsL,�the�company�behind�the�

proms,�has�topped�up�our�funds�with�an�additional�

donation�of�£1,500,�and�the�raF�association�

and�their�partnership�with�the�blade�aerobatic�

Display�team�raised�£11,490,�taking�this�year’s�

total�to�over�£34,000!�a�very�big�thank�you�to�JSL

Productions, The Blades Aerobatic Display Team

and all our lovely volunteers,�particularly�those�of�

you�who�keep�coming�back�to�help�year�after�year.�

Bring and buy boosta�christmas�bazaar�and�bring�and�buy�sale�

took�place�in�the�beautiful�grounds�of�naseby�

Hall,�thanks�to�Lady Rowley, Mrs Latham and

their team of helpers.�the�morning�raised�

almost�£3,000.

Emma King-Farlow: The Poetry & The PityHaving�already�staged�two�original�

remembrance�shows,�emma�and�shadow�road�

productions�took�on�their�third�for�combat�

stress,�reaching�their�target�of�over�£1,000�on�

the�night.�emma�and�the�team�are�now�looking�to�

reach�out�to�a�larger�audience�by�staging�a�new�

show�in�2013�in�a�much�bigger�venue.

Caroline Copland: Feet to Remembercaroline�undertook�an�epic�journey,�walking�(in�five�

days)�from�the�cenotaph�in�London’s�whitehall�to�

the�menin�gate�in�belgium�to�lay�a�wreath�at�the�

last�post�ceremony.�she�also�held�a�fundraising�

reception�at�the�raF�club�(kindly�sponsored�by�

wa�ellis)�in�may�and,�together�with�sponsorship�for�

the�walk,�raised�an�invaluable�£8,186.23.

Reading Lions: Heroes Dinnerthanks�to�Reading Lions,�Stuart Rowsell and�

Martin Upstone,�who�put�an�enormous�amount�

of�time�and�hard�work�into�organising�this�very�

special�black-tie�event.��

the�evening�raised�£7,000�

for�combat�stress.�

�

Charity of the year Allan Swift�(club�captain)�

and�Forest Park Golf Club�

chose�combat�stress�as�

their�charity�of�the�Year�

—�we�received�a�very�

generous�cheque��

for�£1,636.30.�

Above: Combat Stress Viking ‘Keef’ at Royal Parks Half Marathon.Left: Nathan Jones cycled 12,000 miles for Combat Stress

The White Horse at Dalrymple held a Jubilee day for

Combat Stress

Part of a nationwide network

of Combat Stress Community

Outreach Teams, the South Central team

comprises two mental health professionals

— Community Psychiatric Nurse Graham

Poulter and Mental Health Practitioner Jayne

Rowe — as well as Regional Welfare Officer

Vikki Muir and Welfare Desk Officer Neil

Cottrell, all of whom work closely together

to offer the best possible clinical and welfare

support to Veterans. They are supported by

Pat Donnachie, a Regional Welfare Officer

based at Help for Heroes’ Tedworth House.

While Graham, Jayne and Vikki spend

much of their week working directly

with Veterans in their own communities,

Welfare Desk Officer Neil, based at

the charity’s Tyrwhitt House HQ in

Leatherhead, is many Veterans’ first point

of contact. “He’s the glue that binds us

together,” says his colleague Vikki. “We

couldn’t manage effectively without him.”

Neil says: “We get some very distressing

calls. It takes courage to phone; on average

it takes Veterans 13 years to muster

that courage. These aren’t five-minute

Life in the day of a Community Outreach Team

Reaching out to VeteransThe clinical and welfare support offered by our Community Outreach Teams is an invaluable service for Veterans. We take a look at the great work being done by the South Central team

6 COMBAT STRESS nEwS | SPRING 2013 WWW.COMbaTSTReSS.ORG.uk

It takes courage to phone our helpline

£35can pay for a session

with a Registered Mental Health Nurse

in the community

conversations. Vikki will usually be their

first face-to-face contact and will make an

assessment at the Veteran’s home address.”

Listening to Veterans’ stories

“This can be the first time they have

talked about their experiences so it can be

emotional,” Vikki says. “We go through the

Veteran’s story, picking up on key areas.

The Veteran will then either be referred to

the clinical team or for an assessment with

the Psychiatrist at Tyrwhitt House. I will

also follow them up to see whether they

need further support from us or other

agencies, such as the Royal british Legion

(RbL), the Soldiers Sailors airmen and

Families association (SSaFa), Services

Personnel & Veterans agency (SPVa) or

Help for Heroes.”

key to the team’s work are monthly

Veteran Support Groups. “These meetings

help Veterans realise they are not isolated,”

says Graham. “They are a chance for

Veterans to meet people with common

experiences, and offer valuable clinical

support as well as advice from NHS

professionals on topics such as sleeping

disorders, anxiety and depression.” They

include open forums, group and one-to-one

sessions, and advice on mental health.

Neil also deals with calls from wives,

carers and partners, as well as referrals

from social workers, psychiatrists and GPs,

but says he needs the Veteran’s consent

to begin the process. another source of

referrals is the 24-hour Helpline which

receives many calls from Veterans suffering

from confusion, anger or depression.

Increasing media exposure of the charity’s

work has meant more Veterans are seeking

help. “We have over 280 Veterans in our

area and this is rising,” says Vikki. “We cover

a wide area, from bedford to the Isle of

Wight and from bristol to ascot,” Jane adds.

Left: The South Central Community Outreach TeamBelow: Graham Poulter with a Veteran at one of our support groups

Jane Rowe with Veteran at one of our support groups

Meet the teaM

Life in the day of a Community Outreach Team

Vikki Muir Regional Welfare Officer Vikki has worked in a

number of military hospitals providing welfare support. She has worked at Combat

Stress for nearly three years.

Graham Poulter Community Psychiatric Nurse Graham spent 15 years in the Royal Navy. With a Masters

degree in community nursing and mental health, he joined Combat Stress in May 2011.

Jayne Rowe Mental Health Practitioner With wide experience in

mental health services, Jayne has been with us since the

South Central Outreach Team was launched 18 months ago.

Neil Cottrell Welfare Desk Officer

Neil joined Combat Stress in November 2009 and is in his

final year of studies for a Certificate in Mental Health with the Open University.

www.combatstress.org.uk� spring�2013�|�COMBat StReSS newS��7

we�currently�have�over�280�Veterans�in�our�area�and�this�is�rising

while�Vikki�and�neil�offer�welfare�support,�

graham�and�Jayne’s�work�focuses�on�

Veterans’�mental�health�needs.�graham’s�

work�involves�liaising�with�primary�

healthcare�practitioners�to�identify�best�

avenues�of�treatment�and�advising�gps�on�

medication�management.�He�draws�on�his�

experience�not�only�as�a�nurse�but�as�an�ex-

service�man�—�understanding�the�effects�

of�conflict�as�well�as�which�conditions�

respond�best�to�which�medication.�“part�

of�my�assessment�is�to�determine�what�

treatment�might�be�suitable�for�the�

Veteran�and�to�work�in�partnership�with�

other�organisations�to�ensure�that�the�

Veteran�receives�timely�treatment,”�he�

says.�“this�includes�referring�them�to�

local�nHs�therapists�or�back�to�their�gp�

for�a�more�formalised�programme.”�a�

significant�part�of�his�work�he�refers�to�as�

“psycho-educational”�—�taking�

the�charity’s�message�and�

awareness�of�the�problems�

facing�serving�personnel�

to�other�organisations.

part�of�the�problem�

the�team�faces�is�that�

Veterans�are�often�unable�

or�unwilling�to�accept�

they�have�a�problem�until�

years�after�active�service.�

once�they�come�to�combat�

stress,�graham�and�Jayne�waste�no�time�

addressing�Veterans’�mental�health�needs.�

“i�spend�time�visiting,�conducting�needs�and�

risk�assessments,�providing�support�and�

counselling,�as�well�as�delivering�community-

based�cognitive�behavioural�therapy,”�

says�Jayne.�“my�role�is�to�encourage�self�

management�and�promote�fulfilment�and�

well-being�alongside�managing�a�mental�

health�condition.�i�also�signpost�Veterans�to�

local�services�for�assessment�or�intervention,�

liaise�with�gps,�community�mental�health�

teams�and�other�services�or�refer�them�to�

our�treatment�centre�in�Leatherhead.”

aside�from�mental�health�issues,�Veterans�

also�need�to�cope�with�practical�issues�such�

as�finances,�housing�and�pensions.�this�is�

where�the�team�calls�on�the�likes�of�the�rbL,�

ssaFa�and�spVa.�Vikki�says:�“we�liaise�

with�other�agencies�to�ensure�the�Veteran�is�

supported�from�every�angle.�i�help�with�getting�

the�Veteran�housing�and�financial�

support�—�be�it�emergency�food�

vouchers,�benefits,�war�pensions,�

even�holidays�to�Jersey�through�

Holidays�for�Heroes.”

a rewarding role

the�demands�placed�on�the�

team�are�immense�but�there�

are�real�benefits�too.�“it�is�very�

satisfying�for�me�to�see�their�

journey,”�says�neil.�“those�who�are�in�

darkness�coming�out�at�the�other�side.”

graham�elaborates:�“our�clinical�

supervision�helps�Veterans�deal�with�their�

experiences�and�emotions�and�goes�some�

way�to�allowing�them�to�lead�a�‘normal’�life,�

something�we�often�take�for�granted.”

For�Vikki,�there�is�no�such�thing�as�a�

‘typical’�day.�“You�never�know�what�you�may�

encounter,�especially�with�a�first�visit,”�she�

says.�“the�important�thing�is�that�after�that�

visit,�the�Veteran�is�on�their�way�to�gaining�

support,�treatment�and�understanding�of�

what�they�are�going�through�and�accessing�a�

wealth�of�other�resources�they�may�not�have�

known�about�before.�that�is�what�makes�the�

day�worthwhile.”�

Help for Heroes have pledged to fund the

first three years of the South Central and

South West Community Outreach Teams

as part of their contribution to The Enemy

Within Appeal.�

£5,000 is what it costs

to run one of our Community Outreach

Teams for a week

Jane Rowe with Veteran at one of our support groups

Funded by

8 COMBAT STRESS nEwS | spring 2013 www.combatstress.org.uk

It has been an honour to serve as the

chairman of the enemy within appeal

over the past three years. as someone

who has helped pioneer mental health

treatment in the uk, i have a deep

understanding of the needs of Veterans

suffering from psychological injury and

wholeheartedly believe that this need is best

served by combat stress.

the success of the appeal and

raising the £30 million has been a

combined effort and i would like to

thank you all for playing your part —

participating in active challenges, hosting

events, running charity of the year

initiatives, making generous donations etc.

Your enthusiasm, creativity and loyalty

towards fundraising has been inspiring.

thank you.

together we have re-shaped the way

combat stress has been able to deliver its

services to Veterans and also addressed

the stigma that surrounds Veterans’

mental health, encouraging both Veterans

and their families to seek help sooner. in

2010, it was taking all our Veterans with

mental health issues an average of 14.3

years between leaving the armed Forces

and seeking help from combat stress.

i am delighted that for personnel who

have served in iraq and afghanistan, the

timelag has now reduced to 29 and 18

months respectively.

i believe strongly in the military covenant

— put simply, in return for the risks taken

on our behalf by our service men and

women, we have an absolute obligation

to look after those who are wounded,

and their families. as part of the combat

stress family, i do hope you will join me

The Enemy Within Appeal

Appeal impact

Dr Chai Patel CBE FRCP

A message from Dr Chai Patel CBE FRCP, Chairman of The Enemy Within Appeal Board

and continue to be there for Veterans with

psychological injuries so that they have

access to the right treatment, in the right

place and at the right time. “I would like to thank you for playing your part”

They fight our wars. We fight their battles

HRH The Prince of Wales launches

the Appeal

The Enemy Within Appeal

www.combatstress.org.uk� spring�2013�|�COMBAT STRESS nEwS�9

Appeal highlightsThe Enemy Within Appeal has enjoyed great success in meeting its aims over the past three years. Here are just some of the highlights…

LAunChing ThE AppEAL in�march�2010,�our�patron�HrH�the�prince�of�wales�launches�the�enemy�within�appeal�to�transform�the�way�combat�stress�delivers�its�mental�health�services�and�encourage�Veterans�and�their�families�to�seek�help�sooner.�

giving AS yOu wORk 350�of�you�have�signed�up�to�support�combat�stress�via�the�payroll��giving�scheme.��with�an�average�monthly�gift�of��£23,�you�have�raised�over�£100,000.

BREAk pOinT EvEnT the�Hon�mrs�sally�bedford�and�her�committee�organised�our�biggest�fundraising�event�—�break�point.�Focussed�around�screening�the�wimbledon�men’s�Final�at�10�of�england’s�most�prestigious�country�houses,�the�event�raised�over £270,000.

hEROES AT ThE TOwER the�Volunteer�committee,�chaired�by�the�Lord�Dannatt,�have�run�two�unique�evenings�at�the��tower�of�London,�raising�over�£95,000 for�combat�stress.�

OuTREACh TEAMSwe�successfully�rolled�out�our�network�of�14�multi-disciplinary�community�outreach�teams,�six�months�ahead�of�schedule,�thanks�to:�Help�for�Heroes,�raF�benevolent�Fund,�the�royal�british�Legion,�abF�the�soldiers�charity,�seafarers�uk,�amongst�others.

prime Minister David Cameron

pM pAyS A viSiT Following�release�of�the�

Fighting Fit�paper,�prime�

minister�David�cameron�and�

Dr�andrew�murrison�mp�visit�

tyrwhitt�House�and�commit�

the�government�to�working�

with�military�charities�to�ensure�

Veterans�can�access�services�

effectively�and�engage�with�

treatment�provided.�

pTSD inTEnSivE TREATMEnT 133�Veterans�suffering�from�ptsD�and�other�complex�conditions�have�completed�our�ptsD�intensive�treatment�programme�since�it�was�launched�at�tyrwhitt�House�in�september�2011.�this�has�now�been�rolled�out�to�our�shropshire�and�ayrshire�treatment�centres

TA AnD RESERvES the�combat�stress�ta�and�reserve�Forces�Liaison�team�was�launched�in�June�2011,�supported�by�the�westminster�Foundation.�it�has�engaged�with�over�3,211 reservists,�military�staff�and�professionals�to�date.

Anthony Andrews and Joshua Miles in Bully Boy

BULLY BoY pLAy Driven�by�her�horror�at�the�legacy�of�war,�comedy�star�sandi�toksvig�has�written�a�heart-felt�play,�Bully Boy.�to�much�acclaim,�anthony�andrews�and�Joshua�miles�challenge�the�moral�issues�of�contemporary�military�occupation�and�its�effect��on�military�personnel’s��mental�health.�

pERSOnAL SuppORT24,700�of�you�have�responded�to�our�mailings�over�the�past�three�years,�giving�an�average�gift�of�£47 and�securing�over��£1.16 million.

BATTLing STigMA81%�of�Veterans�say�they�are�ashamed�or�embarrassed�about�their�mental�health�problems.�to�address�this,�the�rt�Hon�John�bercow�mp�launched�our�national�awareness�campaign,�funded�by�comic�relief,�to�battle�this�stigma�that�surrounds�Veterans’�mental�health�and�encourage�more�Veterans�to�seek�help�sooner.�

hELpLinE On CALL we�have�worked�closely�with�

the�Department�of�Health�to�

launch�the�new�Helpline�for�

those�members�of�the�military�

community�living�with�mental�

health�issues.�to�date�there�

have�been�10,855�calls,�texts�

and�emails.�

10 COMBAT STRESS nEwS | spring 2013 www.combatstress.org.uk

Supporting Veterans

In our last issue, Dr walter Busuttil,

Director of medical services, outlined

our newly established ptsD intensive

treatment programme and its

development at our surrey treatment

centre, tyrwhitt House. we are pleased to

report that this programme has now been

rolled out to our two other treatment

centres in shropshire and ayrshire.

the programme was introduced

at the Hollybush House treatment

centre, ayrshire, on 17 september

and to the audley court treatment

centre, shropshire, on 29 october.

the programme works with groups

of up to eight Veterans at a time, and

to date 14 Veterans have completed the

programme at audley court and 12 at

Hollybush House.

at both treatment centres we are

now running two groups at a time, in

order to support as many Veterans as

possible. However, this expansion will

still allow us the resources to continue

admitting Veterans for assessment

stays and our short-stay treatment

programme, as well as the follow-

up appointments to those who have

completed the intensive programme.

Like at tyrwhitt House, the ptsD

intensive treatment programme at

Hollybush House and audley court offer

three key treatment methods: psycho-

education, skills training and individual

trauma-focused therapy. as part of this

we have introduced new concepts to the

course such as behavioural activation

and compassionate mind training.

as Veterans are expected to stay

at our treatment centres for six weeks, a

well-being programme has also been set

up at each centre. this allows Veterans

to take part in structured occupational

therapy, as well as social and training

activities during evenings and at

weekends. it also enables Veterans to

carry out the homework tasks set by the

six-week course.

Staff feedback:

“We have received positive feedback

and it has been a good experience so far.

the ptsD intensive treatment programme has been rolled out to our shropshire treatment centre, audley court, and to Hollybush House, our treatment centre in scotland

Expanding our Intensive PTSD Programme

A VeterAn’s experience Falklands Veteran Brian Jones was just 21,

when British Ship HMS Sheffield was hit by an Argentinian missile. Twenty of Brian’s comrades perished that day, and survivors spent hours fighting fires before their ship was abandoned.

Every second of that traumatic day and the subsequent weeks is still seared into Brian’s mind. Brian tried to repair his life, but was badly affected and continued having “episodes”.

For years afterwards, Brian drank too much and withdrew from friends and family, feeling “angry, frustrated, even violent at times”. It was only in 2009 that Brian finally sought treatment and was diagnosed with PTSD at Combat Stress.

The PTSD Intensive Treatment Programme was a turning point. “Brian was completely different,” smiles wife Melanie, describing his transformation. “It was like living with a new person.”

For Brian, seeking help has made all the difference, giving him the strength and tools “to break the cycle of depression and the black thoughts”.

Staff are enjoying the structure and focus

that the programme allows.”

Clare Armstrong, Operations Manager

north, Hollybush House

“Staff told me that they could see

the Veterans becoming more

relaxed and in a lighter mood and

spirit. One of our Community

Nurses visited and couldn’t believe the

change in a Veteran she knew.”

Jackie Jones, Service Development

Manager, Audley Court

DATE EACH CEnTrE BEgAn THE ProgrAMME:• tyrwhitt House: 4 September 2011 • Hollybush House: 17 September 2012 • Audley court: 29 october 2012

VETErAnS wHo HAVE CoMPlETED THE ProgrAMME• tyrwhitt House: 107 (a further 16 are currently on the course) • Hollybush House: 12 (a further 16 are currently on the course) • Audley court: 14 (a further 16 are currently on the course)

It costs us

£14,500for a (non-English)

Veteran to take part in our PTSD Intensive Treatment

Programme. (English Veterans are funded

by the Dept of Health)

www.combatstress.org.uk� spring�2013�|�COMBAT STRESS nEwS��11

Meet the Team

Five things I’ve learntas�a�clinical�nurse�specialist�at�combat�stress,�morag�Heggie�helps�Veterans�with�ptsD�to�move�on�in�their�lives.�Here�she�shares�her�top�five�learning�points

1�A sense of humour is essential“i�wouldn’t�have�survived�16�years�

working�with�Veterans�without�a�sense��

of�humour.�once�a�client�starts�to�trust��

you,�you�can�help�them�to�start�the�process�

of�rekindling�old�skills�—�and�humour�is��

a�valuable�survival�skill.�people�let�off�

steam,�relax,�bond�with�peers�and��

deflect�painful�emotions�by�using�humour.�

Very�often,�clients�say�to�me�they’d�

forgotten�how�to�laugh�until�they�met�

other�Veterans�at�audley�court.�Despite�

undergoing�some�very�difficult�work,�they�

say�they’ve�laughed�more�here�than�they�

have�in�years.”

2�There’s no quick fix�“some�of�our�clients�have�long-term�

complex�needs�and�sadly�often�mistrust�

people�who�are�trying�to�help�them.�

our�job�is�to�build�a�safe,�trusting�and�

therapeutic�relationship�with�them.��

trauma�sufferers�need�to�trust�their�

therapist�implicitly;�they�may�have�been�

suffering�for�decades�and�it’s�our�challenge�

to�show�we’re�worthy�of�their�trust.�

only�when�we’ve�established�a�strong�

therapeutic�relationship�can�we�work�

together�effectively.”

3�working with traumatised ex-Service personnel is challenging

“Veterans�haven’t�just�been�through�one�

traumatic�event�—�often�they’ve�survived�

dozens�of�incidents,�any�one�of�which�

would�have�a�profound�effect�on�any�

of�us.�therapy�can�be�really�hard�work�

for�both�Veterans�and�staff�—�emotions�

run�high.�but�just�when�you�are�feeling�

exhausted,�there�will�be�a�light�bulb�

moment�and�you’ll�recognise�that�you’ve�

made�a�breakthrough.�For�example,�

i�use�eye�movement�Desensitisation�and�

reprocessing�therapy�a�lot.�Following�

a�session,�someone�who�had�been�

suffering�with�severe�ptsD�for�over��

30�years�will�suddenly�say,�‘it’s�over,��

morag.�it’s�in�the�past.’”

4 Family and friends are enormously important

“if�we�can�help�Veterans�to�maintain�

relationships�by�providing�education�and�

support�to�partners�and�families,�their�

chances�of�recovery�undoubtedly�improve.�

communication�is�a�key�component.�our�

aim�is�to�help�strengthen�and�maintain�

clients’�key�relationships�as�the�support�

of�others�is�an�important,�evidence-based�

component�of�recovery.�that’s�why�we�

bring�in�partners�for�group�therapy�in�the�

treatment�centres,�and�we’re�working�hard�

trying�to�establish�more�partner�groups�

with�our�community�outreach�teams.”

5 Having a single point of contact for Veterans provides

a ‘Rolls-Royce’ service“each�nHs�primary�care�trust�is�working�

toward�provision�of�a�Veterans’�champion,�

who�provides�a�single�point�of�contact�for�

Veterans.�recently,�working�with�this�service,�

i’ve�seen�first-hand�just�how�effective�this�

approach�can�be.�Diverse�and�complex�

issues�affect�Veterans,�so�they�may�need�

a�number�of�different�professionals�to�

create�comprehensive�care�packages.�

this�may�include�help�with�housing�issues,�

neurological�investigations,�mobility�aids,�

treatment�for�their�mental�health,�and�help�

with�financial�issues�and�finding�work.�

champions�can�co-ordinate�the�multiple�

agencies�involved�in�addressing�those�needs�

and,�as�such,�provide�Veterans�with�timely�

appropriate�care,�as�is�their�right.”�

Audley Court Treatment Centre

MORAG HEGGIE �is�a�clinical�nurse�specialist�

based�at�the�combat�stress�

audley�court�treatment�

centre.�morag�works�with�

the�multi-disciplinary�team�

of�psychiatrists,�therapists,�

psychologists,�nursing�staff�and�management�

to�provide�the�best�possible�care�for�Veterans.�

audley�court�recently�introduced�the�intensive�

ptsD�treatment�programme�for�Veterans,�

in�which�morag�plays�a�key�part.�“my�role�is�

to�help�the�team�share�their�knowledge�and�

experiences�to�create�an�effective�team�to�

deliver�this�complex�programme,”�she�says.

“Just when everyone is exhausted there will be a light bulb moment, and a breakthrough”

Art Therapy

12 COMBAT STRESS nEwS | SPRING 2013 www.combatStReSS.oRG.uk

Art Therapy allows Veterans to express hidden feelings

WhAT The VeTerAns sAy:

“If you have trouble communicating, it’s another form of communication.”

“It’s easier to communicate like this than sitting eyeball to eyeball with someone, because there is a focal point (the image).”

“The unconscious is trying to communicate with your conscious brain to say, ‘That’s what’s worrying me.’ ’’

“You are looking at yourself through the images.”

“It brings an understanding of what is happening inside you. It opens up things that explain an awful lot.”

“It’s amazing what’s actually in there but you didn’t realise — it just comes out.”

“It’s a snapshot of what’s in my head at the time, my emotions and my feelings.”

“This is the therapy that opens the doors.”

£66 can pay for a two-

hour Art Therapy session for a group of up to five Veterans £10

will help provide materials for our Art

Therapy work

www.combatstress.org.uk sPrINg 2013 | COMBAT STRESS nEwS 13

Art Therapy

Art therapy is a

treatment that

features in our

programmes for

Veterans at our

surrey treatment

centre, tyrwhitt

House. Veterans do not have to be good at

art to participate as it is the creative process

itself, rather than the quality of the end

product, that is important. creativity is the

antidote to rigid, repetitive thought patterns

that can hamper recovery, opening up new

ways of thinking and seeing.

an art therapy session can be with

an individual or a group, usually lasting

up to two hours. sometimes a theme is

suggested then Veterans can move into a

creative space to explore what this theme

means to them, using art. afterwards, the

group comes together to discuss each

Veteran’s interpretations of the theme.

on armistice Day 2011, bbc2 broadcast

a culture show special entitled ‘art for

Heroes’, about art therapy with Veterans.

the documentary was watched by over

two million people and involved filming an

art therapy group at our tyrwhitt House

New ways of thinking and seeingArt Therapy helps break destructive thought patterns, providing a valuable release for Veterans, writes Jan Lobban, Trauma Therapist at Tyrwhitt House.

treatment centre. we were given the uncut

version of the footage by the bbc so I was

able to transcribe what was discussed on

film and, with the Veterans’ consent, made an

analysis of the content (Lobban, 2012) to try

to pinpoint how and why art therapy helps.

Connecting with others

the group identified problems in specific

areas: feeling disconnected, avoidance

of emotions, presenting a ‘mask’ to the

world to protect a sense of vulnerability,

and the ‘stuckness’ of traumatic memories.

However, during the art therapy process

the group demonstrated being able

to connect with others and their own

emotions. they were able to drop the

‘mask’ and to express their feelings, as well

as start to process their experiences.

through art therapy, it is possible to

integrate experiences in ways that might

not be possible by using words alone.

Neuroscientist Dr Lukasz konopka,

who also featured in ‘art for Heroes’, has

worked extensively with Vietnam Veterans

who have PtsD and has done scientific

research into the effects of art therapy.

He considers art therapy essential as it taps

into primitive brain networks and helps to

establish new neural pathways that can alter

function and be long lasting, introducing

new learning at a structural level.

traumatic memories are held in the (non-

verbal) right brain hemisphere which can

be accessed by art therapy, using its own

language of symbols and sensations. once

expressed through art, these memories can be

decoded and put into words to make sense

of experiences using left brain reasoning

and analysis, and therefore assisting the

processing of trauma.

References

Belkofer, C.M., & Konopka, L.M. (2008).

‘Conducting art therapy research using

quantitative EEG measures.’ Art Therapy:

Journal of the American Art Therapy

Association, 25(2), 56-63.

Lobban, J. ‘The Invisible Wound: Veterans’

Art Therapy’, In: International Journal of Art

Therapy Routledge, online Sept. 2012.

Samuels, T. (Presenter), & McArdle, L.

(Director). (2011, November 11). ‘Art for

Heroes: a Culture Show Special’ [Television

series episode]. The Culture Show.

Glasgow, UK: BBC2.

14 COMBAT STRESS NEWS | SPRING 2013 WWW.COMBATSTRESS.ORG.UK

Fundraising

We appreciate that family and loved

ones come fi rst when making a Will but

we would like you to consider leaving a

small gift or proportion of your estate to

Combat Stress after taking care of those

closest to you.

As a charity, Combat Stress depends on

donations to provide expert treatment to

traumatised Veterans, which can turn around

their lives and the lives of their families. A

gift in your Will can make this possible.

If you have already pledged a gift

to Combat Stress, thank you very

much. However, did you know that by

making this gift at least 10% of your taxable

estate you will decrease the amount of tax

your other benefactors have to pay? This is

due to the introduction of a new law which

reduces the rate of Inheritance Tax from

40% to 36%, if 10% of the taxable estate is

given to a qualifi ed charity. If your legacy

to Combat Stress is under 10% why not

consider making this change; your other

benefactors could be better off.

To check if you qualify please visit

www.hmrc.gov.uk/inheritancetax

We realise that this is a big decision

and would like to assure you that a gift

of any size will have a real and lasting

impact on the lives of many Veterans

and their families.

We understand that your Will is private

but if you do decide to leave a gift to

us in your Will, please do let us know

as it helps us plan our long-term work. We’ll

treat the information that you give us as

strictly confi dential.

To request a Combat Stress legacy

leafl et please contact us by phone on

01372 587 154 or email victoria.monks@

combatstress.org.uk

On 5 December 2012, Combat

Stress was chosen as one of the

charities to benefi t from the

ICAP Annual Charity Day. ICAP

is a world-leading broker and

provider of post trade risk and

information services.

When its brokers came in to

work on Wednesday 5 December

they donated 100% of their

commissions that day to charity

and the company donated 100%

of its revenues. Lord Archer,

actor Cliff Parisi and opera singer

Camilla Kerslake all helped to

raise a signifi cant sum from the

day for Combat Stress. Further

funds were raised through

various auction prizes generously

donated by our supporters. The

total raised globally on the day

was an amazing £11 million for

200 charities around the world.

ICAP’s support has provided

vital funds for Combat Stress’s

Outpatient Programme

at our Surrey Treatment

Centre, as well as our

Community Outreach

Team in Central England.

The Outpatient Programme

will mean that Veterans

who do not wish to or cannot

stay at one of our Treatment

Centres have access to

accurate and timely

assessments of their

psychological needs.

Appeal for Legacies

Corporate support

If your company would like to support Combat Stress, please contact Michelle Campbell on 01372 587 157 or email michelle.campbell@combatstress.org.uk

ALLOCATE SOFTWARE RUNNERSWell done to Allocate Software employees Ubaldo

Matty, Jules Martinez and Chris Fenton who successfully

completed the Royal Parks Half Marathon, raising

a fantastic £2,087! The company has a number of

contracts with defence organisations and consequently

the staff understand the challenges faced by our

military community. A big thank you to Allocate

Software for donating generously towards this sum!

RAISES FUNDSCobham plc, international developer of aerospace

and defence technology, has held many fundraising

events in support of Combat Stress. During a dedicated

fundraising day in September, staff raised over £16,000 for Combat Stress — a truly fantastic amount!

Michelle Campbell, Partnerships and Sponsorship

Manager at Combat Stress, said: “I would like to thank

the staff at Cobham plc. A donation of this size can

make a big impact: for example, £16,200 would fund

the running of one of our vital Community Outreach

Teams for three weeks.”

ICAP CHARITY DAY 2012

WWW.COMBATSTRESS.ORG.UK SPRING 2012 | COMBAT STRESS NEWS 9

Donations

01372 587 151

We are enormously grateful

to our supporters. Without

your generous donations,

we would not be able to deliver

vital care to the Veterans who

need our help. Your support

means we can continue to

provide hope to Veterans with

psychological injuries.

Direct Debit Regular donations

reduce our admin costs,

meaning we can spend more of your

money on the vital services we provide to

Veterans. It also means we can plan our

work better as we have a reliable source

of income. You can donate as frequently

as you like — most of our supporters give

monthly to spread the cost. For details

call Cathy Long on 01372 587 152 or email

cathy.long@combatstress.org.uk

Give online Want a quick, hassle-free way to give?

Donate at www.combatstress.org.uk.

For more information about donating

online, please contact Rachel Kulsdom on

01372 587 153 or email rachel.kulsdom@

combatstress.org.uk

Mobile donations Donating by text couldn’t be easier — in

the body of your text simply write PTSD00

followed by the amount you wish to donate,

e.g. PTSD00 £5, and send to 70070. Text

donations will either be deducted from your

mobile phone credit or added to your bill —

and you won’t pay VAT on your contribution.

Mail your support Prefer to donate by cheque or postal

order? Send to Combat Stress, Tyrwhitt

House, Oaklawn Road, Leatherhead,

Surrey KT22 0BX. Cheques are payable to

‘Combat Stress’.

Recycling The recycle scheme has helped to raise

a total of £1,800 for Combat Stress in

the past year. Massive thanks to all who

have got involved, it really does make a

difference. If you would like to read more

on the scheme, please visit the Each One

Counts website www.eachonecounts.

co.uk and click on ‘Charity Partners’ to

search for Combat Stress, or contact

Gemma Hughes on 01372 587 151 or

gemma.hughes@combatstress.org.uk

eBay eBay for Charity is an easy way for

sellers to support their favourite charity.

You can support Combat Stress whenever

you sell an item. Whether you’re an

individual or business, you can donate

a percentage from any sale to Combat

Stress. Please turn to the back page for

more information.

For more information on any

method of donating, please visit

www.combatstress.org.uk and click the

‘Support us’ button.

£75can pay for a Veteran’s

consultation with a psychiatrist

£12a month, over a year, can pay for a home visit from our Community Outreach Team

Appeal for LegaciesName

Address

Postcode

Telephone

Email

I am happy to receive emails from Combat Stress

To make a donation over the phone, or to

make a monthly direct debit, please call

Your Gift to a VeteranCombat Stress is dedicated to helping those who have suffered mental ill-health as a result of their military service. Through our Community Outreach Teams, we visit Veterans at home to see how best we can help. Through our three Treatment Centres, we provide treatment to help Veterans cope and enjoy a better quality of life.

I wish to help ex-Service men and women. Please fi nd enclosed my donation of £ I enclose a cheque/postal order/CAF voucher made payable to Combat Stress.

OR please debit my:

Credit/Debit/CAF Card (delete as appropriate)

Card No:

Expiry Date:

Security Code:

(last 3 digits of the number on the signature strip)

Start Date: Issue No:

Signature: Cardholder’s name (if different from above)

Please tick this box if you would like

to receive a thank-you letter. SNL13

If you are a UK taxpayer (remember, pensions are taxed too) we can reclaim the tax you have already paid on the money you give to help our work. For every £1 you donate we are able to claim an additional 25p from the Inland Revenue. So far, this fi nancial year, we have raised over £207,500 through Gift Aid.

Simply tick the box below: Yes, I am a UK taxpayer and wish Combat Stress to reclaim the tax on all donations I have made since 01/04/2008 until I notify them otherwise. The Inland Revenue has asked us to remind you that you must pay an amount of income tax and/or capital gains tax at least equal to the tax we reclaim on your donations in the tax year.

You must complete the name and address box above for us to reclaim your tax. Please return this completed form to:

The Director of Fundraising,Combat Stress, Tyrwhitt House,Oaklawn Road, Leatherhead,Surrey KT22 0BX

Registered Charity Number: 206002Charity Number Scotland: SC 038828Company limited by guarantee: Registration Number 256353

With so many ways to give, supporting Veterans with a donation to Combat Stress has never been easier…

Ways to donate

Fundraising

We are sincerely grateful to all our supporters, including the following:

DONATE NOW Visit our website to fi nd out more about what we do and how you can help: www.combatstress.org.uk

eBay for Charity donations

NEWS

You can raise money for Combat

Stress whilst selling your unwanted

goods online. eBay for Charity allows

you to list an item on eBay and select

a percentage of the fi nal sale price to

donate (10%-100%, with a £1 minimum

donation per listing). If you’re a UK

taxpayer, you can increase the value of

your charity donations by 20%, by simply

selecting the Gift Aid box when you fi rst

list an item. Visit www.ebay.co.uk/charity

to learn more.

There are many

opportunities

to successfully fundraise

for Combat Stress in

your workplace, and

many companies

now allow employees

to raise funds for their

chosen charity through

a scheme known as

‘Matched Giving’. This

simply involves the

employer donating

a pound for every

pound that the employee

raises. Depending on

company policy this

could be up to the full

amount raised!

Matched Giving can also

benefi t your company:

• It can boost employees’

morale by supporting their

fundraising efforts.

• The publicity attracted

as a result of their

charitable giving can be

invaluable to the company.

• The company can write

off charitable donations

against taxable profi ts.

Ask your employer

about Matched Giving

as a way to double your

fundraising donations to

help support our Veterans.

Matched Giving schemeSell something and give something — it’s an easy way to raise funds for us!