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Feedback and testimonials

From Outside the Wire's armed forces beneficiaries

“I’ve been receiving regular visits from Outside the Wire after being put in touch by my partner. Our meetings have been very beneficial and I have made some positive changes in my behaviour, especially towards excessive alcohol consumption. Outside the Wire has made me understand like never before the impact that alcohol can have on my life, my work, and my family.

 

They understand the pressures of leaving the service and my practitioner conveys his messages with an understanding and empathetic tone albeit with a sense of authority which I really needed. His wealth of experience has taught me many things and given me a belief that I have been lacking for a long time—a belief in myself”

 

J.C. (Veteran HM Royal Marines Commando)

“I was introduced to Outside the Wire by a kind gentleman at the Norwich Armed Forces Breakfast Club after requesting information for help through a considerable rough patch. A practitioner then had a chat with me and told me to come down to the Drop-In on a Tuesday evening.

 

I then had a couple of 1 to 1 meetings and immediately felt a weight lifted from my shoulders. OTW is a fantastic help for Veterans even if just for a brew once a week for a couple of hours. Everybody understands each other, with no judgement whatsoever and just a friendly environment. My mental health has vastly improved from using this service and the support it provides. Long may the group continue.”

W.P

“Over 4 years ago I was in a very dark, horrible place with no help at all. I got told about Outside the Wire from a mental health team.

 

OTW has helped me change my life around, they have supported me through hard times and have always been honest with their advice. OTW has been a massive part of my recovery, and I can't thank them enough for what they’ve done for me. Thank you so much for all the help and support Outside the Wire has given me. Life can only get better.”

S.H

“I was introduced to Outside the Wire 18 months ago when I hit a very low period in my life. I truly do not know where I would be in my life now if it wasn't for the compassion & support, I receive from Outside the Wire & my support worker.

 

He provides me with an abundance of contacts to support my ongoing needs, with outside networks, a monthly group coffee meeting & a group fishing trip, which he always encourages me to attend. I am contacted regularly & my support worker is always available for a chat if needed when things get extremely tough. Outside the Wire is a much-needed organisation helping & supporting so many in need, long may it continue its valued work.”

K.F

“The support I have received has been life-changing for me, in one of my darkest times the companionship has helped me stabilise my life, giving me the simple act of a friend I can talk to and getting me out of the house.

 

It also led me to be able to be a better father to my 4 kids, making their lives better and more stable. I cannot thank the organisation enough for the support I have received.”

J.K

“Some time ago I got into a low part of my life due to my partner leaving which led me to have flashbacks from the Army and Police and the loss of my wife. I was drinking too much, and my head was not in the right place with bad dreams and not going out.

 

I came across the Veterans Breakfast Club, which was of great help in fact at the beginning. I got put in touch with Outside the Wire who came to my house, we talked a lot which gave me more help than you can imagine. This led to me doing other things such as going to the gym and getting my life in order. My support worker gave me contact numbers to use when I am ready although not used them yet. The help that OTW and the breakfast club have given me has got me to this point, which is a long way from where I was. In the future who knows maybe I will make a call!!!! We now go out for coffee which is a big step.”

M.T

“I am writing to express my extreme gratitude for the support I have received from Outside the Wire. The support I have received is greatly appreciated.

 

They have always been there when I have needed them the most. The weekly phone calls are always on time and very supportive in getting me through work. The dedication and commitment when it comes to ad hoc tasks I ask of them are immense. I would say Outside the Wire has been a blessing and I would be lost without their support.”

J.A

“I have been engaging with Outside the Wire for several months now.

 

I can talk to my support worker daily this alone has reignited my want for recovery, and due to this I have been able to stay class A free for over two months and with your continued support, I have faith that one day I can be, and live a drug-free life. (These words could never express my gratitude for what you have done and doing for me). Thank you.”

C.S

“Before ‘Outside the Wire’ took me on board, my marriage had broken down, I was homeless, struggling with Complex PTSD, chronic depression/anxiety, binge drinking, with no thoughts of a future life and in danger of my life, losing myself, family and friends.

 

Now I have the security of my own home, support network, my family and friends and hope for the future. My support worker was a friendly voice who called me regularly giving reassurance, direction, points of contact and the ability to go out and do things for myself. I now have a purpose for my life and a meeting place with people who have or are going through similar situations. I still lack confidence and struggle with my mental health, however with the support of the team, days are less dark, there is hope and my confidence is growing. This is all credit to all the team.”

Anonymous

“Thank you so much one and all I very much appreciated the help and support from OTW without whom I would have collapsed both physically and mentally, they really have helped to put my life on track.”

N.Y

 “I can’t thank you enough for all you have done. They say you don’t get a second chance at a first impression. Your team have shown that you’re nothing less than outstanding.”

T.O

“I wish I had known about your service before now, I can’t believe I wasn’t aware of OTW. I find it difficult to talk to family members about these problems so it’s really nice to be able to have a coffee and a chat with someone that gets our chaotic lives, and what we are going through as a family.”

D.E

Further resources 

To understand more about the impact of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder on veterans and their loved ones, watch this BBC documentary on IPlayer CLICK HERE

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Combat Stress is another charity dedicated to veterans’ mental health. The organisation conducts extensive research in their field. To view their reports CLICK HERE

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News articles 

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Fight or Flight: documentary 

One hundred years on from the end of the first world war, a group of veterans in Dorset are torn between their pride in their military careers and their anger over the lack of psychological support provided to them by the Ministry of Defence. With many feeling abandoned and left to battle significant mental health issues such as PTSD alone, former soldier Andy Price decides to take matters into his own hands, launching the Veteran’s Hub, a peer-to-peer support network for veterans and their families. Over the course of a year, the Guardian's Richard Sprenger follows Andy on his journey.

 

Click here to view this documentary from The Guardian

3 minute read

Click here for Service Manager Wayne Copsey's story of his personal battle with PTSD and journey from the Army to Outside The Wire

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