Sniffing out PTSD

SNIFFING OUT PTSD: LIVERPOOL VETERANS RAISING AWARENESS OF POST TRAUMATIC STRESS AT THE START OF ARMED FORCES WEEK

Riverside housing association in partnership with the Sefton Veterans Project in Liverpool is raising awareness of PTSD during armed forces week this week.

Sean Percival Scott, a young veteran and ex-commando (pictured) who served in Iraq and Afghanistan went from being homeless with PTSD to running his own successful dog-handling business with help from Riverside’s veterans support services.

Each year, Riverside works with around 4,000 clients in its supported housing services, including almost 1,000 veterans each year.  They run a national housing advice line for any single veteran facing homelessness which can be contacted either via www.spaces.org.uk, or by calling 01748 833797 or on Twitter via the hashtag #LightsOnForVeterans. 

Almost 20% of clients have mental health issues, including those listed as a secondary problem combined with drugs and alcohol. More than 10% of our clients have specific mental health problems as their primary issue. Riverside offers specialist mental health support and works in partnership with local mental health agencies to help its clients.

Helen Gore, Riverside’s Head of Supported Housing, said: “Riverside’s innovative support is underpinned by our commitment to ensuring veterans both young and old have proper access to mental health support. Our range of services focus on enhancing people’s psychological wellbeing and supporting our residents with life-enhancing therapeutic services.”