Combat Stress Festival of Lessons and Carols 2024
On Thursday 5 December, Combat Stress – the UK’s leading veterans’ mental health charity, held their annual Festival of Lessons and Carols, in the Royal Military Chapel, at Wellington Barracks, the beautiful spiritual home of the Household Division.
The service began at 7pm, with Army Chaplain Revered Alex Bennett CF — who has spent two decades in the army, including being deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan – welcoming the 260 people in attendance.
What followed was a beautiful collection of carols, including a poignant Ukrainian carol, led by the brilliant chapel choir and accompaniments from the Pinstripe Highlanders and the Band of the Welsh Guards.
The beautiful music was interspersed by readings from some of the charity’s supporters, including:
- Lt Col James Coleby, (Commanding Officer, London Central Garrison, Wellington Barracks)
- Sir Malcolm Rifkind KCMG KC (Former Cabinet Minister)
- Peter Turner (Royal Chelsea Hospital Pensioner)
- Fenella Woolgar (British Film, Television and Theatre Actress)
- Steve Poutney (Army veteran who received Combat Stress life-changing treatment)
- Chloe Mackay (CEO at Combat Stress
After the service, the evening concluded with a drink’s reception at the Officer’s Mess.
Chloe Mackay, CEO at Combat Stress, said: “As I mark my first Christmas as CEO, it was wonderful to be able to come together in this beautiful setting to mark the start of the festive season.
“For many veterans with PTSD, Christmas can be a very difficult time, so we are incredibly grateful to all those who attended our Festival of Lessons and Carols, and all those who continue to support us.”
The money raised from the event will go directly to providing specialist treatment to veterans with complex mental health issues arising from military service.
