The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) plays a crucial role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of service Royal Navy, veterans, and their families. As the principal charity of the Royal Navy, RNRMC works in partnership with a number of organisations to ensure that those who have served can access the support they need.
The impact of war can leave lasting psychological scars, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severe depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. The social environment after war also plays a crucial role in perpetuating these psychological scars. Veterans sometimes face difficulty reintegrating into civilian life due to a lack of support systems and the stigma around mental health issues.
This is especially true for veterans of conflicts like the Falklands War, where many soldiers were exposed to intense and prolonged combat - yet had little access to mental health support upon their return. Nigel Turner from Portsmouth was a cook on HMS Hermes during the Falklands War, he recently spoke with BBC News about his experience:
“I was having nightmares, bad dreams, mood swings, very angry. I didn't know what was the matter with me. I had really thought deeply about suicide. In my mind I couldn't shake off the sights and sounds of what I'd witnessed.”
On May 4th, 1982, the crew of HMS Sheffield found themselves under attack when an Exocet missile struck the ship, leading to a catastrophic blaze. Tragically, 20 crew members lost their lives in the aftermath of the explosion and fire.
“The casualties from Sheffield were brought over to Hermes, and I think that's what, sort of, affected me later on in life when just seeing their burnt faces, and their burnt hands, staring eyes, and there was absolutely nothing I could do.”
Nigel was diagnosed with PTSD, yet found himself uncertain about his next steps. It took three decades until he reached out to Veterans Outreach Support (VOS), an award-winning, RNRMC funded charity that provides a welcoming and relaxed setting where UK veterans and family members can drop-in for confidential social or psychological support.
“My life changed from that moment when I walked through the door [at VOS]. I blurted out my problems, and I was quite tearful, and within half an hour I was talking to a psychiatrist. It can take a lot of courage to step over the threshold, and come to a drop-in. It's amazing how once people, sort of, gain that trust, and confidence, and warm to the prospect of getting help. It is absolutely transformative.”
At the time of this article, VOS has supported over 2,538 veterans. The Drop-Ins now welcomes ex-service personnel from all services and operational backgrounds, including the Merchant Navy. Receiving over 1051 visits a year, with an average of 60+ service users visiting each month.
“I've got my pride back in being a veteran. I do say, hand on heart, you know, Veterans Outreach Support saved my life.”
