Veterans Minister Visits Combat Stress
On Wednesday 23 July, Birmingham Selly Oak MP Al Carns, Minister for Veterans’ and People, visited Combat Stress' England Central treatment hub.
Located at the heart of the Midlands conurbations, at Birmingham Business Park, near the highest concentration of veterans in the region, which also corresponds to the region’s highest source of referrals to Combat Stress, the hub allows the charity to provide care and treatment to veterans with complex mental health problems living across central England, East Anglia and Wales.
The minister met with local veterans who had benefitted from treatment, where he professed how, as a veteran himself, he was honoured to have the opportunity to talk to them about their military experience and journey to recovery.
Some of the charity’s clinicians spoke at length with the Minister about how treatment has evolved, and, crucially, how 73% of veterans who undertake Combat Stress’ treatment recover – an incredible impact and significantly above the recovery rate for PTSD of other mental health services.
The visit culminated with a guided demonstration of key aspects of psychological and occupational therapies.
Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns MP, said: "As veteran myself, I recognise the challenges that many of our Service personnel can face when transitioning back to civilian life.
“Today's visit to the Combat Stress hub in Birmingham has been deeply moving – seeing the care being provided and meeting veterans who are on their journey to recovery reinforces why this support is so important.
“This work complements the Government's efforts to support and empower veterans, from the £50 million VALOUR programme, to mental and physical health assistance through Op COURAGE and Op RESTORE. We remain committed to ensuring every veteran receives the mental health support they deserve, and organisations like Combat Stress are absolutely central to that mission."
Chloe Mackay, CEO of Combat Stress, said: “We were really grateful to have Alistair Carns, Minister for Veterans and People, visit our England Central Treatment Hub to meet with veterans currently undergoing treatment, see our treatment centre first-hand and learn more about how the specialist treatment and support we provide has evolved”
“We look forward to continuing to work closely together to ensure that all veterans who need it, will have access to the best possible care”.
