Ex Service Personnel – Help available in RCT

Recent events in Afghanistan have prompted RCT Council to remind us they offer support to local Armed Forces veterans of all ages. They say many still suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder often re-living traumatic events through nightmares and flashbacks. Some also suffer from isolation, insomnia and have difficulty concentrating for long periods.

The Council’s Armed Forces Veterans Service offers FREE confidential help, support and guidance for members of the Armed Forces, past and present through dedicated officers in strict confidence if you call 07747 485 619, that’s 07747 485 619, or by emailing: VeteranService@rctcbc.gov.uk. And more details can be found on their website under Armed Forces Covenant in the Get Involved section.

Matthew Williams, who lives in the Rhondda, is a former Royal Marines Commando Corporal who served in Iraq and Afghanistan says he “completed 17 years in service and says things he saw like missile and mortar attacks and comrades either killed or severely injured will stay with him for the rest of his life. – So he finds talking to others who have been through the same experiences really helps because they get it so the Council’s Armed Forces Veterans Service and Valley Veterans provide a network through which they can talk openly.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Deputy Leader and Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Maureen Webber, says “The scenes in Afghanistan are heart-breaking and we must do everything we can to help them – and as many of our local veterans have served in Afghanistan and If you’ve been affected by these events you are not alone: In addition to the council’s service there’s a Taff Ely Veterans Group based in Rhydyfelin and a Cynon Valley Veterans Association in Mountain Ash, along with national organisations which provide support.

For example: for Combat Stress call 0800 138 1619

Help For Heroes – who have a local base in Treforest – can be reached on 0300 303 9888

And SSAFA on 0800 260 6767