The Healing The Wounds charity has held its first treatment course for sufferers of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). And the course has been hailed as a resounding success by charity officials.
The leader of the Lib-Dems in Wales, Kirsty Williams AM, was on hand for the ‘passing out parade’ for four PTSD sufferers who spent four days attending a treatment course in Bridgend.
“It’s great to get the chance to find out more about the work of Healing The Wounds and to see at first hand the service that they offer and how people suffering from PTSD can benefit from their help,” she said.
The Healing The Wounds treatment course was held at the Heronston Hotel in Bridgend, while the charity continues its search for more permanent premises.
“The first people to benefit from our treatment course were a serving TA soldier and three former soldiers who have all suffered through PTSD,” said Healing The Wounds executive director Kevin Richards.
The course was staged by Mick Stott, of Quantum Performance, who has developed his own treatment course for PTSD.
“It’s an innovative course and one which I have designed myself as a former commissioned officer in the British Army,” said Mr Stott.
“I have been working alongside two members of the Healing The Wounds charity, who completed a practitioners course before undertaking this, their first, treatment course.
“The foundation stones of the course are all based on one-to-one sessions rather than group therapy. We get people to talk about the experiences that trouble them, but then get them to view them from a new perspective.”
Healing The Wounds practitioner Rachel Phillips said she was thrilled with the success of the course.
“Seeing the guys on day one, you could see how troubled, depressed and withdrawn some of them were. Now, after four days, you can see a massive transformation.
“It looks like a massive weight has been lifted off their shoulders and to see them laughing and joking at the end of the course is a joy to behold.
“Helping the guys get through this course has been, next to the birth of my baby, the most rewarding experience of my life.”
Fellow practitioner Mick Gillespie added:
“I’d easily give a million pounds to see the change we have been able to bring about in these guys this week. It has been hugely rewarding and the greatest experience of my life.”
Charity executive director Kevin Richards said:
“The charity has now been going just over a year and it is wonderful that we can now see help being delivered to those that deserve it in Wales. It is all down to the massive support we have received from the public in Wales and I hope they continue to support us as we pledge to continue to treat PTSD sufferers from military backgrounds and those from the civilian forces who need our help.”
Kirsty Williams AM said:
“It’s wonderful to see that the people attending the course have had such a rewarding experience. We have to continue to work hard to ensure that people who suffer from PTSD as a result of their service in the armed services or those who have suffered through their civilian work get the treatment they deserve.”
Taking part in the course were Simon Meredith, from Pencader, near Carmarthen, Andy Macdonald-Rice, from Whitemill, near Carmarthen, Dan Bailey, from Swansea, and Paul Thomas, from Tondu, Bridgend.
The Healing The Wounds charity was set up in January 2010 to help provide PTSD treatment for members of the armed forces and veterans. It aims to set up a Welsh base for the treatment of PTSD. It is already arranging treatment courses and building a team of counsellors who can treat PTSD.
Donations can be made –
By post:
To make your donation by post, please send a cheque payable to Healing The Wounds, together with your name address and post code to enable us to claim gift aid, to Healing The Wounds, 22 Abbey Road, Kenfig Hill, Bridgend, CF33 6HF.
Give in person at Barclays Bank.
Call into any branch of Barclays and pay your donation into this account:
Healing The Wounds
Sort code: 20-84-41
Account number: 90516929
The charity’s website is at http://www.healingthewounds.co.uk/
