In the North West of England we have over 526,000 armed forces veterans, and a similarly large number emergency service veterans.

Due to the very difficult job they do to keep our country, communities, businesses, homes, and families safe they regularly experience very stressful and traumatic events.

According to the NHS and charities like Combat Stress, the Royal British Legion, SSAFA, Help for Heroes, and MIND these amazing people are far more likely to suffer mental health issues than the general population.

I am one of these people, having served in the army and the fire & rescue service, and having developed Post-traumatic Stress Disorder due to the traumatic incidents I have dealt with as a fire-fighter.

Many of our veterans struggle with their mental health issues and end up with more difficulties as a result such as drug & alcohol issues, unemployment, homelessness, and some sadly end their lives as a result.

Because of my background and the issues that I have suffered as a result I know first hand what it is like for our veterans as they transition back to civilian life and try to fit back in to society.

I am the only qualified Armed Forces Mental Health First Aid Instructor in Greater Manchester, and one only 3 in the North West of England and I am setting up a social enterprise which will enable me to provide high quality mental health first aid training for our veterans and the people who are employed or volunteer to provide support to them.

With your help I can train our veterans and their family members to enable them to become more resilient and able to manage their mental health, and I can train the people who work or volunteer in organisations so that they are better able to provide the support our veterans need on a daily basis.

Once up and running 50% of all course fees will go to fund local charity Trafford Veterans @ The MESS to help support our veterans through their activities.

Thank you.