Combat Stress co-hosts parliament event to urge MPs to protect those affected by the harmful impact of fireworks
Ahead of New Year’s Eve, and following Bonfire Night, Combat Stress co-hosted an event this week at the House of Commons, along with fifteen other charities, to highlight the need for a review of existing fireworks legislation and the harmful impact they have.
We welcomed MPs to this fireworks coalition event to discuss how the law is failing to protect those affected by the sounds, smells and unpredictability of fireworks and why we are calling on the UK Government to urgently review the current legislation.
The charities' united message was clear, the UK Government needs to introduce tougher restrictions on where, when and how they can be used.
Through better regulating the use of fireworks, we hope to limit the unnecessary distress that can be inflicted on many veterans with PTSD and other mental health issues, during fireworks season, and spontaneously throughout the year, and we look forward to further discussions and steps to bring about this change.
Dr Lee Robinson, Principal Clinical Psychologist at Combat Stress, on the distress caused by fireworks: "Sudden, unexpected loud noises, flashes or explosions, as well as certain smells like smoke, can be powerful triggers for those with PTSD, causing panic attacks, hypervigilance and anxiety – they can trigger very difficult memories and feelings associated with frontline combat where they were exposed to the horrors of war in service to this country.
"Sadly, at Combat Stress, we see a higher rate of distress in veterans accessing our mental health services during the fireworks season".
The event was hosted by the ‘Fireworks coalition’ consisting of: Combat Stress, Help for Heroes, Dogs Trust, Blue Cross, Battersea, British Veterinary Association, Cats Protection, Children’s Burns Trust, The Kennel Club, PTSD UK, Dan’s Fund for Burns, Assistance Dogs, Service Dogs, The British Horse Society, Redwings and Bravehounds.