Combat Stress

05/06/2026

What a night.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Guildhall for our Annual Charity Dinner, an unforgettable evening of generosity, powerful stories and incredible support for veterans’ mental health.

From the pipers and pikemen leading guests into dinner, to Admiral Sir Philip Jones GCB DL opening the evening, Paul and Neal bringing the energy as MCs, and The Yorkshire Auctioneer, Angus Ashworth, getting the room bidding, the atmosphere was fantastic from start to finish.

We were honoured to be joined by George Osborne BA MBA, our Chief Executive Chloe Mackay, and so many brilliant supporters, partners and friends of Combat Stress.

One of the most moving moments of the night came as Dr Lauren Quigley introduced Andy’s film, sharing his journey to recovery and showing the life-changing impact specialist treatment can have.

A huge thank you to everyone who bid, donated, entered the Prize Draw, and helped make the evening such a success. Your support means we can continue helping veterans across the UK rebuild their lives.

Thank you to our sponsors Brit Insurance Corps Security L3Harris Technologies Lockheed Martin and Thales and to Rhubarb Hospitality Collection for a wonderful dinner.

Couldn’t join us? There’s still time to enter our Prize Draw, entries close Sunday 7 June at 23:59: https://uk.givergy.com/CombatStressSupporterDinner2026/?controller=gliRaffles&scrollToItem=1

Thank you again to everyone who made the evening possible.

04/06/2026

Supporting a veteran with PTSD symptoms can be difficult to navigate, but you do not have to do it alone.

Our first free webinar in the Stronger Together programme starts on Friday 3 July.

Webinar 1: Support a veteran with PTSD symptoms

This session will help families and friends better understand how trauma can affect veterans and how PTSD symptoms may show up in everyday life.

You’ll gain practical tools to help you navigate difficult moments, build stronger communication, recognise common signs and symptoms, and feel more confident and supported.

The webinars are designed to be flexible. We encourage you to start with Webinar 1, but you can choose the sessions most relevant to you. The full series will also run again in October 2026, February 2027 and June 2027.

Register here: https://learning.combatstress.org.uk/pages/for-families-and-friends

04/06/2026

If you are a veteran, family member or loved one and recent events have triggered difficult thoughts, memories or emotions, please remember that support is available 24 hours a day through our Helpline on 0800 138 1619.

03/06/2026

PTSD Awareness Day is fast approaching. Have you got your pin badge yet?

We’d love to see it. Share a photo of your badge, tag us, and show that you’re standing with veterans ahead of PTSD Awareness Day.

By wearing your badge, you’re helping to raise awareness of PTSD and showing your support for veterans on their journey to recovery.

Get yours here: https://combatstress.shop/products/ptsd-awareness-day-pin-badge-support-veterans-mental-health

Show your support for veterans and raise awareness of PTSD with our exclusive PTSD Awareness Day Pin Badge. Thoughtfully designed with the Combat Stress logo and the PTSD Awareness Ribbon, this high-quality enamel pin is a meaningful way to stand in solidarity with those affected by post-traumatic s...

03/06/2026

Final chance to bid!

Our Charity Dinner auction closes at 10.30pm on Thursday 4 June, so there’s still time to get involved while supporting veterans living with PTSD and other complex mental health conditions.

From exclusive experiences to one-of-a-kind prizes, every bid raised will help Combat Stress continue providing life-changing treatment and support to veterans across the UK.

Take a look, place your bids, and help make a difference before the auction closes:
https://uk.givergy.com/CombatStressSupporterDinner2026/?controller=home

02/06/2026

PTSD does not have one face, one set of symptoms, or one clear way of showing itself. For veterans, experiences of PTSD can look and feel very different from one person to the next, and they can change over time.

Some people may appear withdrawn, while others stay constantly busy. Some may feel on edge, while others feel emotionally numb. These differences can make PTSD harder to recognise, but no less real.

Understanding that PTSD has many faces helps challenge stigma and encourages people to seek support. With the right help, veterans can learn new ways to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

If you’re a veteran, or supporting one, confidential support is available via our 24-hour Helpline on 0800 138 1619.

01/06/2026

This Volunteers’ Week, we want to say thank you to the incredible volunteers who support Combat Stress and help us continue providing life-changing treatment to veterans across the UK.

Barry and therapy dog Bella are a powerful example of the difference volunteers can make. Inspired by Barry’s own recovery journey, their support for veterans through fundraising, awareness events and peer support helped form Team Bella with Petra and Eddie, united by a shared purpose and commitment to supporting veterans.

Mark decided to volunteer with Combat Stress after spending 20 years serving as an Army chaplain. Having experienced his own struggles with PTSD and received support from Combat Stress, helping other veterans through their recovery journey now holds deep personal meaning for him.

For Shana, volunteering became a way to honour the memory of loved ones lost following their struggles with PTSD. Since joining Combat Stress earlier this year, she describes it as one of the most rewarding experiences of her life.

Jo decided to volunteer after attending a Combat Stress event at Sandhurst. As the wife of a veteran and mother to two serving soldiers, supporting veterans through Combat Stress is extremely important to her.

Lisa has volunteered with Combat Stress for more than five years after hearing the story of an SAS medic on the news. Wanting to help veterans access support when they need it inspired her to get involved.

Jeremy began fundraising for Combat Stress in 2014 through his “Sacrifice & Remembrance” project. Having served in the Army for 26 years, supporting veterans living with mental health conditions is a cause that resonates deeply with him.

Every volunteer story is different, but together they help veterans across the UK access the specialist treatment and support they deserve.

If you’d like to make a difference and support veterans on their journey to recovery, explore our volunteering opportunities and find out how you can get involved: https://events.combatstress.org.uk/volunteer

29/05/2026

From mountain summits and ultra marathons to muddy obstacle courses and even a swan pedalo on the River Thames, May was an incredible month of fundraising for Combat Stress.

Across the UK and beyond, our supporters pushed themselves physically and mentally to help veterans living with PTSD and other mental health challenges access life-changing treatment and support.

Dan, Dave and Emile took on the demanding National Three Peaks Challenge, climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon within just 24 hours, while Chris completed an extraordinary 95-mile trek along Scotland’s Southern Upland Way over six days.

Members of also tackled Tough Mudder London West, with standout fundraising efforts from Eleanor and Will. In memory of two close friends and to support others struggling following their service, Josh Bailey completed the 50km Trent Valley Ultra Marathon.

One of the month’s most unique challenges came from Alan and Op Ruby Jack, who marked Alan’s 60th birthday by pedalling a swan pedalo 126 miles along the River Thames alongside family, friends, fellow veterans and the Combat Stress team.

Meanwhile, Nige, George, Paul and Russ embarked on an incredible self-supported 700-mile cycling and kayaking challenge from Teesside to Porto, camping each night along the way while raising funds for Combat Stress and Fishing for Heroes.

We’d also like to thank Nicky, Sue, Julia and Clive for taking on the Ten Tors challenge, the Long-Eaton Lads for completing the National Three Peaks Challenge, and every runner who proudly represented Team Combat Stress at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival.

Every challenge completed, every donation raised and every story shared helps us continue supporting veterans on their journey to recovery.

Thank you all for standing with veterans, we can’t wait to see what our incredible supporters take on next.

28/05/2026

In case you missed it, registrations are now open for our free PTSD Awareness Day webinars.

From 22–26 June, Combat Stress specialists will explore the realities of PTSD, the impact it can have on veterans and families and the support available to help people recover.

The webinars are open to all: veterans, loved ones, carers and professionals, with sessions covering topics including recovery, complex PTSD, coping strategies and improving understanding of trauma.

Learn more and register today: https://combatstress.org.uk/ptsd-awareness-day-webinars

If you’d like to speak to someone, our free confidential 24-hour Helpline is available on 0800 138 1619.

27/05/2026

Veterans, we’re doing something a little different at RAF Museum Cosford.

Set in the heart of Shropshire, this Royal Air Force museum brings aviation and military history to life, the perfect environment to come together with others who understand.

You don’t need to have accessed Combat Stress before. There’s no pressure to talk. Just come as you are.

These sessions are led by veterans with lived experience of recovery, people who get it, creating a space where connection feels easier and taking that next step feels possible.

Join us on Tuesday 16 June 2026 from 12pm to 2.30pm. Tea and coffee will be provided and the session includes access to the Cold War exhibition, along with an overview of the upcoming 2027 exhibit.

This is part of our Veterans Recovery Network, bringing peer support into communities across the UK.

Find out more and register your interest: https://combatstress.org.uk/veterans-recovery-network