Hollybush Deputy Treatment Centre Manager awarded Churchill Fellowship

The Deputy Treatment Centre Manager of Hollybush House has received a prestigious Churchill Fellowship to visit the US and Canada to see how they’re supporting families of veterans with mental health problems.

Hayley Thompson will spend six weeks in the autumn studying what support is available to partners and carers of veterans in North America.

She’s hoping to meet organisations providing domestic violence support, peer support, and help for military spouses.

Hayley said: “The effects of veterans’ mental health problems are often felt by the family members caring for them, including children.

“The services that exist in the US and Canada could provide ideas and real solutions to how we improve community mental health support for families in the UK. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from them.

“With the right help, families can in turn support veterans after treatment has ended. This extends the veteran’s likelihood of recovery and reduces their risk of relapse.”

Jacky McCafferty, Treatment Centre Manager at Hollybush House, said: “I’m delighted that Hayley has been awarded a Churchill Fellowship. This is a significant achievement for her, as well as for Combat Stress to have a member of our clinical team embark upon such valuable research.”