Help for Heroes has pledged the mental health charity Combat Stress a £3.5 million gift – the biggest donation in its 89 year history. The money was used to pay for the much needed expansion, modernisation and reorganisation of the specialist treatment centre, Tyrwhitt House in Surrey, in order to accommodate more Veterans, including carers, and to provide uprated clinical and welfare working space. Planning permission for the extension was granted and work began in May 2009.

This donation could not be more timely, as Toby Elliott, the charity’s Chief Executive, explains:

‘We continue to experience an increasing demand for our services from Veterans – up 53% since 2005. Last year alone we dealt with nearly 1,200 new cases. Sadly these Veterans had waited almost 14 years before approaching us for help. For most this means that, by the time they come to us, their condition is chronic and complex. Poor physical health, social exclusion, family breakdown, and a whole range of other issues just compound the problems they are facing.’

Combat Stress is the only organisation in the UK that has been providing specialised care to Veterans suffering from psychological wounds uninterrupted since 1919. Its experience in this field is second to none. Over the last 89 years, it has supported almost 100,000 Veterans of every campaign that British Forces have been involved in since the First World War.

The charity currently has 3,729 ex-Service men and women in its care, including 230 from the Iraq conflict and 38 from Afghanistan. Its youngest Veteran is only 20. Many are suffering from chronic conditions such as PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and from depression and anxiety disorders.

Making the £3.5 million gift to Combat Stress, Bryn Parry – the Chief Executive of Help For Heroes – said:

‘We are delighted to be able to support such a uniquely relevant organisation. Combat Stress takes care of the nation’s forgotten heroes: those Veterans whose wounds are not obvious and who suffer terribly in silence, often for years before seeking help. Our gift is worth every penny to them.’

Toby Elliott for Combat Stress adds:

‘I wholeheartedly thank Help for Heroes for this absolutely magnificent donation. It will enable us to rapidly upgrade Tyrwhitt House to deliver 21st century clinical services to those suffering from the wounds inflicted by 21st century warfare, who deserve the very best.’