Victory
VICTORY DAY
80th anniversary of VE Day
“As we approach the 80th anniversary of VE Day, it’s a time to reflect upon the profound impact the Second World War had on those who lived through it. Its legacy defined the lives of everyone who experienced it and shaped the world we live in today.
“Whilst Combat Stress was founded in the aftermath of the First World War to help those experiencing what was then known as ‘shell shock’, the Second World War brought more veterans seeking our help. Our records show that we supported veterans from the Second World War right up until 2016. But it’s not just Second War World veterans who have benefited from our specialist mental treatment. In the 80 years since VE Day, we’ve supported thousands of former military personnel who’ve experienced military trauma, helping them to tackle their past and take on the future.
“We continue to support those who served, focusing on those with complex mental health issues including post-traumatic stress disorder, as a result of military trauma. It’s only thanks to generous support from people like you that we’re able to provide our life-changing mental health treatment to veterans today.
Combat Stress and the Second World War
The founders of Combat Stress believed that veterans could be helped to overcome their trauma through rehabilitation. From the very beginning in 1919, fundraising efforts of the charity were focused on providing residential homes where veterans could live and work, helping them to start rebuilding their lives. Worthwhile and properly remunerated work was provided.
During the Second World War veterans engaged in making flight suits and spotting chairs which were used by the anti-aircraft crew. Helping veterans to re-engage in life through worthwhile activity remains a focus today – our specialist support includes occupational therapy to help veterans rebuild their lives.
"Our specialist team are dedicated to working with veterans individually to teach, support and enable each veteran to live the life they want to. The expert skills we have in assessing means we don’t just look at the symptoms, but understand the impact on the veteran’s daily experiences, and what is that is important to them to rebuild or develop to feel purposeful again."
How you can help
Hold a VE Day service
The Prime Minister has pledged a moment of national reflection to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. A whole host of activities are expected to take place including the raising of the VE Day flag, street parties, and the lighting of beacons across the country. If you’d like to mark the occasion and support our work through a VE Day service, we have a number of suggested readings, prayers and hymns available on request.
For information about how to register your collection, receive Gift Aid envelopes and how to pay monies raised in, please contact Rosie Gibbons on either 07736 490 338 or via rosie.gibbons@combatstress.org.uk
You can also visit combatstress.org.uk/churches to find out more about how your church can help in other ways and request resources to help your fundraising as well as a VE Day Street Party Pack.
Take part in ‘Brew and Bake’
2025 marks 80 years since the end of World War Two. So why not celebrate with a Brew and Bake whilst also supporting the ongoing needs of veterans today? Simply set the date, invite your friends, family, colleagues and community, and put the kettle on.
You can raise vital funds for veterans’ mental health by asking for donations in return for delicious coffee and cake. The official Brew and Bake date is Thursday 8 May 2025 – the 80th anniversary of VE Day. But if you can’t host your event in May, don’t worry - use your Fundraising Pack to plan a Brew and Bake on another date to suit you.
Sign up today to receive your Brew and Bake Fundraising Pack sent straight to your door. Simply visit events.combatstress.org.uk/event/brewandbake
For more fundraising ideas visit combatstress.org.uk/support-us/get-involved