Issue 87 - NWRFCA - Northwest Reserve Forces & Cadets Association

People
& places
Double VC
memorial
A service and unveiling of a memorial to Capt
Noel Chavasse, VC and Bar, MC, one of the
Liverpool heroes killed on the Somme in 1917,
took place at Chavasse Park.
He served as a Medical Officer and was
attached to the Liverpool Scottish and saved
many lives through outstanding bravery.
Representing Grosvenor Estates was Mr Guy
Butler, Projects Director, and also attending
were the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of
Liverpool, many veterans from 208 (Liverpool)
Fd Hosp, RAMC, Capt Ian Moorhouse and Capt
Royston Straney. Maj Michael Jessermino
represented the Garrison Commander. Also
on parade were Liverpool Scottish and RAMC
Some of the Liverpool Scottish
and RAMC badged cadets
supporting the historic event
badged Cadets from Merseyside ACF.
During the service conducted by the Rector
of Liverpool, Capt Chavasse’s life story was
narrated and great - nephew David Watson
gave the address. The honour of the unveiling
went to Cdt Cpl Gabriella Manley.
a d v e r t i s e m e n t
An honourable wound, that still needs treating
Leading military CHARITy Combat STRESS CALLS on RESERVISTS to take bETTER CARE of THEIR MENTAL HEALTH.
Thousands of Reservists may be
at risk of mental health problems,
but many do not seek the help
that they need, says Combat Stress,
the UK’s leading military charity
specialising in the treatment of
Veterans’ mental ill-health.
A significant minority of Service
men and women suffer from
mental ill-health as a result of
their experiences, and Reservists
are at a higher risk of developing
mental health problems than their
Regular counterparts. Research
suggests that of the 191,000
personnel who have served in
Iraq and Afghanistan, about 5%
of Reservists could develop Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),
compared to 4 of Regulars. And
around 20% may be battling
other debilitating mental health
problems, such as depression,
mood disorders and anxiety.
With more than 4,600 ex-
Service men and women currently
receiving support from the charity
– more than at any time since it
was established in 1919 – Combat
Stress are all too familiar with how
Veterans have kept their condition
hidden from family and friends
for so long... and Reservists are no
exception.
Combat Stress employs Reserve
Forces and TA Liaison Officers,
to liaise with units and regional
stakeholders to raise awareness of
the support available to Reservists.
Reserve Forces and TA Liaison
Officer Tony Phillips said: “Reserve
Forces can be justifiably proud of
their contribution. However, they
are at greater risk of becoming
psychological casualties, because
of their shorter deployment
preparation time, isolation
and remote support networks,
compared to Regulars.
“Support is available and easily
accessible, but many Reservists
are reluctant to seek appropriate
help. There is no dishonour being
wounded in the service of your
country, be it through physical or
psychological injury.
“If you are psychologically
injured, it is OK, indeed it’s your
honourable duty, to tell someone
and get treatment. You can get
help through the Reserves Mental
Health Programme (RMHP), or you
may approach your unit chain of
command. If they aren’t available,
you can phone the Combat Stress
Helpline for confidential advice
and support on 0800 138 1619.”
www.combatstress.org.uk
10 the volunteer www.nwrfca.org.uk