This Mental Health Awareness Week (12th -18th May), the theme is ‘community’ and the impact this has on helping us all take care of our mental health.
For many leaving the UK Armed Forces and Merchant Navy services, this is a stressful time in itself! Added to this are the additional stressors of this time, with the high cost of living impacting families across the UK, stress and burnout are affecting many, and millions of young people are seeking mental health support too..
Connection is more important than ever. It plays an important part in creating a supportive network that promotes good mental health and none more so, than for our Veteran community.
The impact of community was felt first-hand by one of our service users, Rowena Heale.
Rowena joined VOS as a member during the lockdown period, after her husband, who’d been in the army for 44 years, retired during this time.
“It couldn’t have happened at a worse time. Like everyone else he was in lockdown and that is when the PTSD set in. This time was really hard for us, as it was for many people.”
They got to know about VOS through other veterans and once lockdown restrictions were lifted, her husband attended one of the VOS coffee mornings which he really enjoyed. He encouraged Rowena to do the same.
Listen to Rowena’s story in the video clip below.
Rowena Heale talks about her experience trying different activities and reflects on the difference this has made to her social life and mental wellbeing.
VOS is here to support veterans from the UK Armed Forces service, the Merchant Navy, and their partners. If you know a veteran (from any time of service) located in Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight, Gosport, Fareham or the Solent area, please pass our details along.
If you’re a veteran or partner and are thinking about getting in touch, we would love to hear from you. Call us on 02392 731 767, visit one of our drop-ins, or email admin@vosuk.org.
Please note that VOS is not a crisis service. If you need immediate support, please contact one of the following:
- Your GP or NHS 111
- Attend A&E or call 999 for medical emergencies
- The Samaritans on 116 123 (24 hours a day, 365 days a year)
- A trusted family member or friend
