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Having been a carer for someone suffering complex PTSD as a result of their involvement with police work, I'm acutely aware of the devastating effects of this very misunderstood condition. The effects are life changing, often fatal through suicide and affect not only the person suffering, but their family, friends and colleagues. "PTSD" often trips off the tongue very easily without really knowing what the condition is about

PTSD has no boundaries. It is an insidious condition that permeates every single aspect of a person's life, always affecting their loved ones almost as much. People working in the emergency services are particularly at risk of PTSD due to the constant traumatic events they witness and are also directly involved in.

As an example, it is estimated that the average person suffers around 4-6 traumatic incidents in their life - loss of a close relative/partner, accident, poor health, loss of a job and divorce as obvious examples. On a survey done by Avon & Somerset police federation, it is estimated that throughout a 30 year career, officers will deal with between 400-600 traumatic incidents, often dealing with one, then simply having to go and deal with another straight afterwards. This can be relentless and together with the professional expectations can build to have devastating consequences.

There is no doubt this also applies to Ambulance staff, fire service staff, coastguard/RNLI staff, Mountain Rescue Staff and indeed many others who help the public and run to the trauma rather than away from it.

There is no one incident or series of incidents that is the same that can cause PTSD or Complex PTSD which is why it is so difficult to predict, with symptoms often not occuring until months or even years after the events.

Whilst attitudes and support for PTSD has improved within the emergency services, it's still very much underfunded and sadly not understood as well as it should be within the organisations.

PTSD999 was set up in 2015 by a police officer who recognised this huge gap in support and over the past 10 years, has helped to support countless individuals and their loved ones traverse the course of diagnosis and recovery. Providing support, counselling and talks to the emergency services to help them further understand this awful condition.

Whilst funding is always needed,. PTSD999 are in desperate needs of further funding to continue to offer the counselling arm of their services, with donations having dropped in recent times.

This is a travesty. It cannot be underestimated the help and support this charity can give. It offers the opportunity for emergency service personnel to return to work where possible, and transition back into civilian life where one cannot return to work. There is absolutely no doubt that their work SAVES LIVES.

Every single donation is important. No matter whether it is £1 or £100 each one will help this amazing charity to continue their work.

Each donation to our 3 peaks challenge is massively appreciated. For the price of a pint, even if it was just the police who all contributed, the amount of money raised would make such a huge difference.

Thank you all for reading, and thank you for your donation