"People need to understand that veterans are the people they can go out with, they're the people they work with. We live on the same streets together!"

The problems faced by many of our Veterans' can often remain masked for many years and their families may try to deal with these matters at home. Often it is the family who acts as a buffer between the Veteran and the wider community, with circumstances sometimes leading to their social isolation.

Since 2005 the number of ex-Service men and women seeking the help of Combat Stress has risen by 72%, with the experience of trauma often leaving partners feeling like they are walking on eggshells and they tend to be the ones in the front line for any reaction.

Combat Stress is the UK's leading military charity specialising in the care of Veterans' mental health. We treat conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety disorders.

In response to the growing demand of Veterans' seeking the assistance of Combat Stress, the charity has established a number of Carer Support Groups around the UK, which are specially tailored to assist those who have a direct relationship with the Veteran seeking our help.

Combat Stress support groups help to educate family member about PTSD and its impact upon relationships and family life, whilst providing the family with a forum for support and information sharing. These have helped to give many an insight into the complex conditions they are living with and have also given both wives and partners new coping strategies - thus creating a lifeline for many people!

On Thursday 24th June, we are holding our second public meeting in Manchester, which will focus on the services provided by Combat Stress in supporting the wider family unit and the evening will also incorporate the launch of the factsheet "PTSD & the Family", which has been compiled by Morag Heggie, Nurse Specialist for Combat Stress.

The meeting will be addressed by Steve Griffiths the Combat Stress Regional Welfare Officer and Sue Garnett the Community Psychiatric Nurse, who will both speak about the provision of care, that Combat Stress provides to support both the Veteran and their family, along with a short talk by Lance Corporal Natasha Pinnock, who will speak about why, on July 11th she is joining over ninety other volunteers in taking part in the Asics London 10K run, in aid of Combat Stress.

All Welcome!

Date: Thursday, June 24, 2010
Time: 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Location: Saint Barnabas Church, Hardy Lane, Chorlton-Cum-Hardy, Manchester.

For more information or for general enquiries please e-mail  manchestercombatstress@yahoo.co.uk