M&S Durham

Veterans at Ease is a leading military mental health charity offering tailored psychotherapy to veterans struggling with mental health issues after serving. Around 4% of the UK population are veterans, and 35% of them are estimated to face mental health challenges. Thousands of veterans, serving military personnel, and uniformed service members suffer from trauma, PTSD, and related issues. Transitioning from military to civilian life can be hard, especially as PTSD can take years to manifest, leaving veterans without military support and reliant on the NHS or charities. Our service uses NLP (neurolinguistic programming) therapy, which helps veterans heal without reliving trauma. With an 80–85% success rate, we provide one-on-one, bespoke care delivered by veterans who have experienced PTSD themselves. Our affordable, time-flexible service is clinically controlled, and we offer additional Life Coaching if needed. We also support the immediate family members of those affected.

Mission Statement: Effective Mental Health support through LIFE SKILLS and OPPORTUNITIES Waddington Street Centre, an independent charity, was established over 30 years ago in Durham city. We specialise in the provision of a wide range of learning opportunities for people experiencing mental health difficulties. We aim to help people live fulfilling lives in the community by offering opportunities for personal development, social interaction, and by supporting recovery. We are also committed to countering stigma and discrimination. Our services are based on creating a hopeful approach, raising motivation and focusing on strengths and possibilities. The educational courses and other activities we provide are valuable in fostering learning and providing practical support – and, no less important, they also help to build relationships and friendships that can promote mutual support and reduce social isolation. The Centre is a lifeline to many, helping people to stay out of hospital and live.

St Cuthbert’s Hospice first opened its doors in 1988 to provide services, free of charge, for people with advanced illness, people approaching the end of their lives and those who are bereaved. We care for, laugh with, listen to, comfort and help make special memories for thousands of individuals and families each year. Everyone who comes to us is an individual and so their care should be individual too. Our multi-professional team consists of specially trained doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, social workers and counsellors. They all work collaboratively to make sure all patients are able to discuss their needs and wishes when spending time with us. Our care teams can support people at any stage, from diagnosis, to living well with their illness to their last days. Whether it’s helping with pain relief, supporting a loved one or just being there to listen, we understand that sometimes it’s the little things that can make the biggest difference.