Army veteran MP visits veterans’ mental health charity Combat Stress

On Thursday 13 February, veterans’ mental health charity Combat Stress welcomed Epsom and Ewell MP Helen Maguire to its treatment hub in Leatherhead.

Ms Maguire, who before entering politics served as a Captain in the Royal Military Police, met with Combat Stress CEO Chloe Mackay and a number of the charity’s expert clinicians. She then received a tour of the hub and a presentation on the charity’s life-changing services.

Combat Stress is the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health. providing life-changing proven treatment and support for veterans from every service and conflict, focusing on those with complex mental health issues resulting from their experiences in the military. Last year nearly 12,500 veterans benefited from the charity’s unique specialist help.

Ms Maguire was emphatic in her admiration for Combat Stress’ work and, with the rate of probable military PTSD on the rise, is keen to collaborate with Combat Stress to further support the veteran community going forward.

Helen Maguire, Liberal Democrat Defence Spokesperson and MP for Epsom & Ewell said: "It was a privilege to meet the team at Combat Stress and learn more about their important work in providing clinical treatment and support for veterans of the British Armed Forces. As a former Army Captain in the Royal Military Police, I know first-hand how emotionally distressing active service is for many. High quality mental health support for veterans is vital.

“Left untreated, psychological trauma, anxiety and depression can eventually tear lives apart and I believe no veteran should have to face these experiences alone. Combat Stress is helping to save lives and I’m proud to support their crucial work."

Chloe Mackay, CEO of Combat Stress, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Ms Maguire for taking the time to visit our treatment hub.

“This was a great opportunity to share the life-changing impact of our cutting-edge treatment and research, and discuss how we can work closely together going forward to ensure that all veterans with serious mental health issues will have access to the best possible care.”