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So another challenge, one for me that will be not only be mentally challenging but also massively physically challenging.

I'm climbing Ben Nevis.. The reason I've picked Walking With The Wounded is because they do amazing work supporting veterans with employment needs and mental health care services. 

They are linked with the NHS and WWTW support the new mental health service that was launched for the Armed forces veterans in crises. After being medically discharged from the Army after 18 years service the transition was difficult a sense of loss, trying to find a job with purpose and meaning again was difficult. So during this difficult period I was referred to the TILS service to begin therapy provided by Leeds and York partnership NHS foundation Trust under the Veterans Complex Treatment Service. The whole process with initial meetings, assessments were caring, understanding they listened to which I was then placed with my now therapist from veterans CTS who I have to give so much thanks and praise to 🙏 Carolyn has taught me so much, its ok to feel, how to process emotions, techniques on managing depression, anxiety, PTSD she has listened when others dismissed, passed on information with meaningful books to read, podcasts to listen to (if you need the list ask cause they are life changing) read numerous emails of confusion from me in-between appointments 😊 Carolyn has been my rock through an immensely difficult time of my life learning to deal with trauma and live my life. I cannot thank her enough from the person I was (shut down and scary 😂) to the person I am now was down to you and I feel I can take on the world (hence why I'm crazily taking on Ben nevis)

Not only my mental health I also struggle physically with having had reconstruction surgery to my ankles, fibromyalgia, arthritis and had to endure a massive hip operation requiring my pelvis to be broken in 3 places in order to reposition my hip leading to years of rehab. I still suffer immensely and after steroid injections it is highly likely my other hip will require the same surgery but in the mean time I have to keep fighting on and moving forward.

I've been fortunate to now find a job with meaning and purpose, my mental health is in a good place and now settled in the North which is a blessing as  so many others struggle and suffer in silence. This hasn't been easy its been a long road to recovery but worth it. 

I'm also so blessed to be doing this with a friend that came into my life just over 2 years ago (again after scaring her) she is my other rock outside of therapy, she has helped with the aftermath of my appointments, the encouragement along the way, the adventures we have had together which has lead us to saying let's do this. Without Ashleigh this wouldn't be possible. Leaving the army, moving to a place I'm not from building friendships, new beginnings are challenging especially if you have your guard up she worked at my guard and made me enjoy friendship and fun again. LETS SMASH THIS GIRL. 💪 thank you.

All this support has allowed me to become a new version of me, its allowed me to grow, communicate better, love more both life and relationships, its allowed me to be more present, caring and understanding towards the husband, kids and family. They are also my rock. Having the right support network in life aids recovery and is so important. Mental health issues can effect relationships as you try to push them away, stay silent, suffer in silence rather than ask for help from them this can be down to numerous of reason mine was fear of being a failure to them and many more. This recovery has allowed me to become a better wife and mother. To them I thank you for sticking with me.

So many veterans suffer in silence, don't reach out for help, are unsure how to access it. The new Op courage the mental health support that the NHS are providing is outstanding. Praise where praise is due. WWTW support this.

A snippet of what Walking With The Wounded do.

Established in 2010, Walking With The Wounded, a military charity for ex-military  in the UK, supports a pathway for disadvantaged veterans to re-integrate back into society and sustain their independence. At the heart of this journey is employment.

We recognise the inherent skills of our armed service personnel and want to complement these qualities, as well as provide support to transfer their skills into the civilian workplace. We offer assistance through our programmes to those vulnerable veterans who have been physically, mentally or socially disadvantaged by their service and assist them in sustaining their independence through new sustainable careers outside of the military. This includes providing support to homeless veterans and veterans in the Criminal Justice System, areas which are too often ignored.

The outcome? Sustainable employment, and independence for them and their families.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading this and donating.

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