Relationship expert, international speaker and best-selling author Sophie Personne has released two podcast episodes featuring true stories of people impacted by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), aiming to highlight the help that is available to anyone suffering from PTSD and show how that help and support can turn lives around.
The first episode featured VOS’ own Nigel, and was released in November for Remembrance Day.
Nigel, a Royal Navy veteran who served 25 years as a Chef, fought in the Falklands and witnessed at first hand HMS Sheffield being hit by a missile and the casualties being brought over to HMS Hermes, shares his personal story of PTSD and how the specialist support from Veterans Outreach Support Charity (VOS) has transformed his life.
Listen to the first episode about the impact of PTSD on veterans:
The second episode was released near the start of December.
This one discusses the impact that illness can have on relationships, and in it Sophie interviews a couple about their experience and how VOS has played a role in supporting them.
Listen to the second episode about how illness can affect relationships:
We are so pleased that Sophie is promoting our important work and the help and support we provide, and broadening the understanding of PTSD, which can be experienced by anyone who has gone through severe trauma in their lives.
Sophie explains: “I am delighted to be able to support such an important local charity by helping to highlight the incredible work that they do through the podcasts. I saw at first hand the effect of serving in the Forces can have on families as my grandfather died in the Algerian War, which had a traumatic impact on my dad and his sisters. It is often the case that people suppress traumatic events rather than talk openly about them and this was very much the case in my family. My grandfather’s death was poorly handled which led to mental health issues through the generations and even had a ripple effect on me. I really want people to understand the help and support that is available to them and, through my podcast, highlight the issues faced by those who have served in the armed forces.”
You can listen to more of Sophie’s podcasts and find out more about her other work and resources on her website.
If you’re a veteran from the UK Armed Forces or the Merchant Navy (from any time of service) or a partner to one, VOS would love for you to join our community. We are here to offer our support: call us on 02392 731 767, visit an upcoming drop-in, or email admin@vosuk.org.
VOS is immensely grateful to the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, as without their support and funding we would not be able to provide our wellbeing activities.
