Newburians rocking to recovery for PTSD charity at Plough on the Green
A group of locals have teamed up to support people suffering with post traumatic stress disorder — and are asking the community to get involved.
Staff and customers at The Plough on the Green pub, in Stroud Green — which raised £1,850 for children’s charity Dingley's Promise in March — have committed themselves to raising awareness for distressed veterans.
And they are planning different events across the rest of the year to make this happen.
So far, the devoted band of pubgoers have organised raffles and head shaves, and have been supported by local businesses, including Camp Hopson.
But they are always considering other ideas to raise money, from sponsored walks and 'Play Your Cards Right' game nights to music gigs.
Any money raised will go to Rock2Recovery, a free service supporting members of the Armed Forces, Emergency Services and their families struggling with their mental health.
The organisation provides confidential one-to-one sessions with trained professionals, and also emphasises the importance of music, adventure and water pursuits in promoting positive change and recovery.
Chris Wall, from Newbury, became involved with Rock2Recovery after meeting a group of veterans on the Channel Island of Jersey.
“This is so important,” he said. “I’ve seen people suffering with depression, PTSD and other mental health issues.”
“This is about people who have put their lives on the line for the British public. And they now need a bit of help from the British public,” added fellow Newburian, Roger Peachey, who also supports the group.
Newbury resident Matt Baillie, 43, served in the Royal Green Jackets.
He suffers from complex PTSD with secondary hallucination syndrome and agoraphobia.
Speaking about his condition, Mr Baillie said: “PTSD disables you. It’s a very overlooked condition.
“It can be different day to day. It affects your friendships, it affects the way you live your life.
“I don’t sleep very well, I suffer with quite bad night terrors.”
Mr Baillie did not receive his diagnosis straight after leaving the Army, and says those around him were unsure how to respond to his condition.
“You say to somebody you hear voices, they run for the hill,” he added.
“That’s how I felt anyway, it may not have been the case.
“There’s some wonderful charities that work really hard for veterans, but I believe, as you leave the forces, you should be assessed.
“I didn’t find out for 20 plus years after I left the forces that I was suffering, and it took me to lose my job and get arrested a few times to realise that something wasn’t right.”
But Mr Baillie eventually visited a doctor and now receives medical and clinical care from the NHS — and is a keen supporter of groups like Rock2Recovery.
Mr Baillie also spoke about another great source of solace which helped him deal with his trauma — boxing.
Mr Baillie trained with West Berks White Collar Boxing and has fought to raise money for Armed Forces charity, SSAFA, which he says assisted him with his recovery.
“With PTSD, I can be scared to go shopping in Tescos, yet if you told me I was fighting in front of 500 people, I wouldn’t be bothered,” he added.
And when asked what advice he had for those dealing with PTSD, he responded: “If you’re feeling funny, talk to a member of your friends or family, talk to the doctor.
“Pluck up the courage and just talk. Talking saves you. It certainly saved me.
“It’s fine not to be ok. If people can’t see that, that’s their problem.”
Symptoms of PTSD vary, but can include difficulty sleeping, anxiety, irritability to physical symptoms including headaches and dizziness.
Common triggers can include excessive light exposure and loud noises.
Contact 01392 642960 or support@rock2recovery.co.uk to seek or lend support to Rock2Recovery.
Always call 999 in an emergency.
