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What is a Secret Postcard Auction?

Our Secret Postcard Auction is back! From 6 October, we’re giving you the chance to secure a unique piece of art created by leading artists, well-known celebs and veterans in our first ever online Secret Postcard Auction. The postcards vary in media and style, with art creations ranging across pop art, abstract, figurative, illustration and more.

But what is a Secret Postcard Auction and how does it work?

How does it work?

Simply place a bid on your favourite piece of art (or the art you think is by your favourite artist) and, if you’re the highest bidder when the auction closes, you could you be the lucky one who picks up an original piece of artwork by a leading artist or well-known celebrity. Only when the auction closes will the winning bidders know who created their standout piece of artwork.

You’ll have the opportunity to explore the collection of art (and place an early bid) during our exclusive showcase, and you’ll also be able to discover a full list of artists involved in the event. But figuring out what artwork matches which artist? Our lips are sealed!

All proceeds raised through our Secret Postcard Auction will go towards helping more veterans to receive our life-changing mental health treatment and leave the battlefield behind.

Art and mental health

At Combat Stress, we know the value art can bring to ensuring positive mental health.

Veterans undergoing treatment have the chance to explore art therapy to help them express their emotions and find a way to explore their mental health issues. Art therapy provides a channel of expression for emotions that may be too difficult to put into words. It provides a different way of working through traumatic experiences. And looking at art can reduce stress, improve brain function and help us refresh.

Our Senior Art Therapist Jan Lobban says, “Taking time to pick up a paintbrush or pencil and let an image emerge and develop can be an investment in mental health. Art making can not only be a pleasurable way to distract our thoughts from everyday concerns and pressures, it’s also a means of self-expression and a channel for self-discovery.

“For the veterans we work with, it’s about being able to externalise things that might not be making sense. Many have not painted anything since school but, encouraged by our specialist team, it can be enormously helpful.”

By bidding in our Secret Postcard Auction, you can help more veterans access our life-changing mental health services, including art therapy. You might also find your own mental health get a boost, as you explore the masterpieces available for the auction. Among the range of leading artists and well-known celebs, there will also be artwork created by veterans who have benefited from art therapy from Combat Stress, helping them to not only leave the battlefield behind but also to discover a new talent and creative outlet.