Combat2Coffee and Combat Stress on The One Show

BBC One’s The One Show will tonight (14 January) feature the story of veteran Nigel Seaman, who talks about how Combat Stress saved his life and what he is doing now with his brilliant Combat2Coffee scheme. Before Christmas, The One Show visited our Surrey treatment centre, Tyrwhitt House, to film Nigel.

He set up Combat2Coffee, a pop-up coffee shop, in his converted horsebox after getting help from Combat Stress. “Combat2Coffee is a way for me to try and give something back to those who helped me but also support others who may need the help I was so lucky to receive.” Nigel joined the Army when he was 18, serving in Northern Ireland and Bosnia.

He left after 12 years of service and subsequently enjoyed a successful 10-year career with the prison service, as well as being a retained firefighter and an active rugby player. But in 2014, after life changed at work and home, Nigel quickly became reclusive, suffering from depression, anxiety and flashbacks.

“Before I sought help from the charity, I was an angry, horrible, bitter and confused person. I’d avoid family situations and stay in bed all weekend. If I was having a bad day, everyone in my family would be crying. I still have bad days now but, thanks to Combat Stress, the difference is I know how to help myself.”

Nigel now has his own coffee blend, aptly named the ‘Recovery Blend’,which is available to buy with some of the proceeds going to Combat Stress.

He aims to use his mobile coffee shops and his experiences to support others to get the help they need.