Be mindful of veterans this fireworks season
The sounds and smells that come with bonfire night can be triggering for those with PTSD
We’re being told to be mindful of the veterans in our community this fireworks season.
Many former servicemen and women can suffer with mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder and experience distress because of loud and unexpected noises at this time of year.
The smell of lingering smoke, flashes of light and loud explosions can be similar to the sights, sounds and smells of war.
Georgina Smith is an air force veteran and served with the Gloucester unit, she says if we are planning on having displays at home to check in on your neighbours and know who they are first.
She told Greatest Hits Radio about her experiences: “I was away at the weekend and suddenly these loud bangs happened and it does, it literally makes you freeze for a moment.
“Just be mindful of who is your neighbour for one, and certainly if they are a service veteran it would be the most polite, kind and thoughtful thing to do to just say look I’ve got little kids we’re going to have a little display, are you ok with that.”