Veterans StabilisationProgrammeIt’s time to stop fighting and start living

nsft.nhs.uk

Luke Woodley is a British army veteran who has pieced his life back together after developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and is now working with the mental health professionals to reach others with the condition.

A former Coldstream Guard, Luke developed PTSD after serving under the UN in Bosnia in 1993. His PTSD developed further after leaving the forces.

He suffered panic attacks, sleeplessness, anger problems, heavy alcohol use, hypervigilance and flashbacks. His marriage broke down while the smell of diesel, crowded public places and the sounds of fireworks would all trigger episodes.

After years of trying different types of support, he felt he only began to make sustained progress when he met Dr Roger Kingerlee, a clinical psychologist with Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) in 2005.

Dr Kingerlee encouraged Luke to try cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and to start exploring ways of confronting or dealing with triggers.

The two now work together with John King, NSFT Mindfulness Trainer and Practitioner on the Veterans Stabilisation Programme, which aims to help servicemen and women and their families adjust to civilian life.

Luke is also the founder of the Walnut Tree Project, a community interest company (CIC) which offers veterans a non-medical ‘front door’ through which to access the help they need to deal with their mental health and linked social issues.

The Veterans Stabilisation Programme is a partnership between Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust and The Walnut Tree Project.

Luke Woodley Roger Kingerlee

What is the Veterans Stabilisation Programme (VSP)?

The VSP aims to provide veterans with the discipline and skills to better manage life, day-to-day.

This cognitive based therapy (CBT) group has been developed by a veteran, a clinical psychologist, and a mindfulness practitioner/trainer.

What are the aims of the group?

The group will explore different options, help find new ways forward and help you to:

• Identify, acknowledge, and change your mindset

• Understand the psychology of combat-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Learn new psychological skills and discipline that can help

You will also benefit from the support of others who have had similar experiences.

What is covered in the group sessions?

The sessions will explore the psychological mechanics of PTSD, helping you develop a greater sense of control and stability in your life. They also aim to:

• Help the management and understanding of difficult thoughts, issues, feelings and memories

• Reduce the use of unhelpful coping mechanisms such as alcohol and drugs

• Improve relationships

• Teach the discipline and tools of mindfulness

Will I have to discuss my problems in the group?

The simple answer is no. The aim of the programme is to educate you to manage your condition.

What happens at the end of the programme?

Other NHS treatment can be offered, and skills training and help back to work is also available through our links with Walking with the Wounded. The Walnut Tree Project can also introduce you to other social activities and support services too.

What commitment is required?

The groups will be made up of six to eight people. They are held for two hours, once-a-week, for 16 weeks. Anyone involved in a significant relationship with you can also attend the initial session.

How can I be referred?

You can self-refer direct or via the Wellbeing service, or be referred by a health or social care professional. Contact details on the back of this leaflet.

What is expected of me?

You must be available to attend the full course and be willing to ‘give it a try’ and practice techniques at home. You will also be asked to:

• Treat all members with respect

• Be open and non-judgemental

• Maintain confidentiality

• Arrive on time

Produced by Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. Published October 2015. Review October 2017 GFX: 4084b

If you would like this information in large print, audio, Braille,

alternative format or a different language, please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) and we will do our best to help.

Email PALS@nsft.nhs.uk or call PALS Freephone 0800 279 7257

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Contact us

For further information contact:

Dr Roger Kingerlee Clinical Psychologist

or

John King, Mindfulness Practitioner and Course Facilitator

at:

Gateway House Unit 1 Gateway 11 Business Park Wymondham Norfolk NR18 0WF

T: 01953 611000

The Walnut Tree Project Costessey, Nr Norwich

M: 07494 799023E: walnuttreeproject@gmail.comFacebook: walnuttreeproject

Wellbeing service Norfolk and Waveney

www.wellbeingnandw.co.ukT: 0300 123 1503

Help for Veterans

At our NHS trust, we recognise the sacrifice UK service men and women make for all of us and we are working hard to establish the support and treatment they deserve.

We are committed to our obligations under the Armed Forces Covenant and we offer specialist treatment for trauma as well as common mental health issues. We have links with local and national military charities to raise awareness and improve communication, coordination and understanding of the particular challenges that ex-service personnel and their families can encounter. We work closely with the Armed Forces Community Covenants in Suffolk and Norfolk.

NSFT works with range of charities that help veterans. For more information, visit: www.nsft.nhs.uk/Find-help/ Pages/Help-for-veterans.aspx