This event is held in partnership with Combat Stress, Age Exchange and the National Museum of the Royal Navy.

Combat Stress is the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health, supporting veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions.

To mark the charity’s centenary in 2019, thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, they partnered with reminiscence charity Age Exchange to record in veterans’ own words the impact of living with military trauma.

The evening will begin with a screening of ‘Combat Stress 100’, a one-hour film that captures the stories of military veterans – the camaraderie of basic training, frontline combat, the devastating impact of PTSD, and their enduring strength to rebuild their lives. The film is the result of over 60 interviews with veterans who showed incredible courage in sharing their stories in the hope that the public better understand PTSD and other mental health conditions experienced by some who serve on the front line.

The film streaming will be followed by a live Q&A session hosted by Age Exchange Artistic Director David Savill. Panellists include, Combat Stress Chief Executive Sue Freeth and veterans from the British Army and Royal Navy who took part in the filming.

Please be aware that the film is not suitable for those aged under 16. Please be aware the content contains strong language, as well as upsetting descriptions of combat and trauma-related events and the realities of living with a serious mental health issue.

Combat Stress is the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health. For over a century the charity has been helping former servicemen and women deal with issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. Today the charity provides specialist treatment and support for veterans from every service and conflict, focusing on those with complex mental health issues.

A Hundred Years of Veterans’ Mental Health