East Durham Veterans Trust

East Durham Veterans Trust Talking Therapies programme has been in operation for the past two years as part of their veteran’s mental health programme. It has supported more than 270 veterans and family members to date. 

The Talking Therapies service is a comprehensive programme that is supporting veterans and their families by removing barriers, creating a safe space and making it accessible for all. While the programme is based within County Durham, they have supported veterans at a national and international level through telephone, Zoom and Teams calls.  

Over the past year, East Durham Veterans Trust has reported 80% of service users noticing either a moderate or significant improvement in their mental health. Once veterans complete the talking therapy aspect of their recovery, they are then introduced into social inclusion groups – another vital part of the services offered. 

Andrew Cammiss, CEO of East Durham Veterans Trust, commented: “We’d like to thank Blue Light Card Foundation for awarding this grant to East Durham Veterans Trust. The grant is allowing us to continue to supply our counselling service to veterans and their families of the North East. 

“We have seen a 400% increase for our service over the past year due to its success, and without funding such as the Blue Light Card Foundation, we would not be able to continue to offer this support.” 

For more information on the work of The East Durham Veterans Trust, please visit their website: www.eastdurhamveterans.co.uk .