Be part of a unique project to inspire veterans to seek help

We're inviting our veterans in the North West to share their stories of recovery for a special film.

Interviews, which last approx. 45 minutes, will take place at St Helen’s RFC Totally Wicked Stadium on 18 and 19 July and at the Museum of Liverpool on 31 July.

Two of our veterans have been specially trained for this project to conduct the interviews. They'll ask questions about life in the military, what impact that had on the veteran's mental health and what support the veteran received from Combat Stress. Veterans will not be asked to go into detail about the cause of their trauma. Partners and adult children are also welcome to share their stories as we know the mental health of veterans can have an impact on their loved ones.

To register interest in taking part, veterans or their family members should email stories@combatstress.org.uk stating which date they’d like to do an interview.

The interviews will create a living archive called Combat Stress 100, which will be available to view by veterans and their families seeking mental health treatment in the future, as well as by medical professionals and students to better understand military-related trauma.

The interviews will also form part of an exhibition that will tour the country later this year to raise awareness of veterans’ mental health and the support available.

Chief Executive Sue Freeth said: “This is an invaluable opportunity to share the stories of veterans and their families who will convey in their own words the impact of living with military-related mental health. By creating a living archive of veterans’ stories, as well as those of their loved ones, we aim to further reduce the barrier to seeking help and increase the public understanding and respect for the impact on individuals’ lives.”

This unique project, in partnership with reminiscence charity Age Exchange, has been made possible by a significant award of £98,300 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.