"Our vision is simple: that our Armed Forces community has good mental health." Today, our CEO Chloe Mackay introduces Combat Stress's new strategy, a clear plan built around four priorities: building resilience, earlier diagnosis and intervention, specialist treatment and recovery, and long-term management beyond treatment. Read our new strategy: combatstress.org.uk/about-us… #CombatStress #ArmedForcesCommunity #VeteransMentalHealth

Today is World Mental Health Day. For many veterans, the impact of military service can continue long after leaving the Armed Forces. There is an average gap of 14 years between leaving military service and receiving treatment for PTSD But support is available, and recovery is possible. At Combat Stress, we provide clinically regulated, life-changing mental health treatment to veterans living with PTSD and the lasting impact of military trauma. Through clearer messaging, education and improved access routes, we'll help veterans reach support before reaching crisis point. This World Mental Health Day, check in, listen without judgement and remind the veterans in your life that support is available and recovery is possible. Call our free, confidential Helpline on 0800 138 1619, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. #WorldMentalHealthDay #VeteransMentalHealth #MilitaryTrauma #CombatStress

Are you a veteran who has experienced a mental health difficulty? Your insight could help shape more effective, veteran-informed mental health care in the future. Take our short confidential online survey (which you can stop at any time): surveymonkey.com/r/VQHZTFY?m… #VeteransMentalHealth #ArmedForcesCommunity #MentalHealthResearch

Last week we announced the launch of our new strategy. Have you read it yet? Visit our website to read the full report: combatstress.org.uk/about-us… #CombatStress #PTSDRecovery #ArmedForcesCommunity #VeteransMentalHealth

This World Mental Health Day, Combat Stress needs you for Brew and Bake! A cuppa might seem simple, but in the military, a brew is tradition, comfort shared through the coldest deployments and longest shifts. Here's how to take part: set a date, pop the kettle on and invite friends and family round for tea and cake. Ask for donations in return, and you'll be raising money for veterans' mental health while you're at it. Find out more: tinyurl.com/brewandbake-lorr… #BrewAndBake #CoffeeMorning #VeteransMentalHealth #WorldMentalHealthDay

81 years ago today, Victory over Japan Day brought the Second World War to an end. After six years of conflict, the news of Japan's surrender sparked celebrations across the UK, but for many who served, the psychological impact of military service remains. Today we remember those who gave so much, honour those we lost and stand with the veterans who still need our help. If you or someone you know needs support, our free confidential Helpline is available for veterans and their loved ones 24 hours a day: 0800 138 1619. 💙🧡 #VJDay #VeteranMentalHealth

#RaceToRemember is just over 3 months away! Have you secured your spot? Join us on Saturday 7 November 2026 to honour the service personnel who sacrificed so much for our nation, while raising vital funds for veterans with complex mental health conditions. You can choose from a 76km run, 36km run or 36km walk - all races will finish beside HMS Warrior in [@portsmouth Historic Dockyard], the home of the Royal Navy. Whichever race you choose, every step you take will help ensure veterans can get the support they need. Find out more about Race to Remember, and book your place today: events.combatstress.org.uk/e… #SupportVeterans #CharityRun #MarathonTraining

Cycle September returns on 1 September - 30 September 2026! Take on our virtual cycling challenge by completing 250, 500, 750 or 1,000 km. No matter your fitness level, this event is for everyone. Ride alone, create a team or compete against your friends – whatever works for you. Help us change the lives of veterans, sign up for free today: events.combatstress.org.uk/c…

Did you know that 1 in 5 of the veterans we support is helped thanks to gifts in Wills? Find out how you can leave a legacy that changes lives. combatstress.org.uk/support-…

If you're a veteran struggling with your mental health – experiencing flashbacks, difficulty sleeping, feeling on edge, emotionally numb, or avoiding certain situations – these could be signs of PTSD. You are not alone. 💙 Our free, confidential Helpline is available 24/7 for you, your partner, family, or friends. Please reach out, we're here to listen and help. You can speak to a member of the Helpline team by calling 0800 138 1619. If you prefer, you can send an email to [email protected]. You can also text us on 07537 173 683. Please note that standard text message rates may apply. #VeteransMentalHealth #CombatStress #PTSD #PTSDAwareness

Have you signed up? Only 4 days to go until the first in our free series of Stronger Together webinars, specifically designed for family and friends of veterans. 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. Sign up today: learning.combatstress.org.uk… We'd like to take this opportunity to thank Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for funding the webinars. #VeteransMentalHealth #ArmedForcesCommunity #PTSD #PTSDAwareness

PTSD can have a real impact not just on veterans, but on their family and friends too. That's why we provide specialist, educational webinars to support loved ones and help them navigate the journey alongside the veteran. Our first free webinar in the Stronger Together programme starts on Friday 3 July. This session will help families and friends better understand how trauma can affect veterans and how PTSD symptoms may show up in everyday life. Register here: learning.combatstress.org.uk… We'd like to take this opportunity to thank Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for funding the webinars. #VeteransMentalHealth #ArmedForcesCommunity #CombatStress #PTSD #PTSDAwareness

Today is Reserves Day, an opportunity to recognise the invaluable contribution Reservists make to our Armed Forces and wider society. Reservists balance civilian careers, family life and military service, bringing specialist skills, experience and commitment whenever they are called upon. Their dedication strengthens our Armed Forces and supports operations both at home and overseas. At Combat Stress, we are proud to support veterans from both the Regular and Reserve forces, providing specialist mental health treatment to those affected by military service. Thank you to all Reservists, past and present, for your service, professionalism and commitment. Your contribution matters, and we are proud to stand alongside you! #ReservesDay #ArmedForces #ArmedForcesWeek #VeteransMentalHealth

Today, on Father’s Day, we’re thinking of all dads, father figures and families in the Armed Forces community.  We owe so much to those who have served our country. We also owe a huge thanks to the families who stand beside them. Whether they’re fathers, partners, or carers, family members often provide support through difficult times – especially when a veteran is living with mental health conditions. If you’re a proud dad supporting a veteran, or a father who has served and needs support, please remember we’re here for you. Our Helpline offers emotional support to veterans and to their family members, friends and loved ones on 0800 138 1619. #FathersDay #VeteransMentalHealth #ArmedForcesCommunity

Today we were proud to present Future Views at @kcmhr. Looking ahead to the next 20 years, Future Views explores how the mental health needs of the Armed Forces community may change – and what this could mean for the support veterans and their families need in the future. Using five possible future scenarios, the report provides a practical framework to help charities, policymakers and service providers plan ahead, adapt and stay responsive to change as global events and society evolve. Alan Friggieri, Director of Strategy and Communications at Combat Stress, said: “At Combat Stress, we’re always looking ahead to how we can better support the Armed Forces community, because we believe in a future where those who experience psychological trauma during service can go on to lead full and meaningful lives and where military PTSD could one day be a thing of the past.” Michelle Alston, Chief Executive of @FiMTrust said: “Charities are a cornerstone of mental health support to the Armed Forces community. This report gives charities, policymakers and service providers a way to think through different pressures on mental health to test that existing strategies and policies are fit for purpose. This report can hopefully be a useful toolkit to help the sector adapt and improve support during the next 20 years.” To read the full report, visit: combatstress.org.uk/future-s…

Today marks 107 years of Combat Stress! 🧡💙 In 1919, our founders watched veterans returning from the First World War struggling with what we now call PTSD, with little understanding or support around them. They believed that with the right support, veterans could lead fulfilling lives despite their mental health  problems, and so Combat Stress was born. Over a century later, the need to support veterans through some of the most difficult experiences imaginable is just as vital as ever. Thank you to our incredible staff, partners, supporters, volunteers and fundraisers. You make this life-changing work possible. Learn more about how we help veterans and how your support makes a difference: combatstress.org.uk. #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #VeteransMentalHealth #MentalHealth

Our thoughts on the House of Commons Defence Select Committee’s review of the Armed Forces Bill 2026: combatstress.org.uk/about-us…