Influx of calls for veteran’s support services in bonfire night run-up
It's claimed veterans across our region have had a week from hell - as people let fireworks off in the run up to bonfire night.
Veterans support services across the North East have already taken an influx of calls in the run up to bonfire night.
Neighbours are being urged to consider ex-soldiers if they want to let off fireworks, as it can trigger PTSD symptoms and drag some heroes back to the war zone.
Veterans Response in South Shields say they’re supporting hundreds of veterans, some of whom will self-medicate or even leave the region to avoid the sound and smell of fireworks this season.
Ian Driver, from the charity, says the effects can be devastating otherwise, with some people even hospitalised. He said:
“We’ve had veterans where fireworks have actually been put through their letterbox, neighbours just firing them off like crazy. There’s barely any consideration, these guys have fought for our country and they deserve respect to please be considerate.
“We’ve got veterans who will put hearing defenders on, they’ve turned the music up, we’ve had the odd few who end up in hospital, it’s terrible.”
Help for Heroes in Darlington saw more calls this time last year. Precious Charuma is a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner. She said:
“It’s not just on bonfire night, it can be a week or few weeks before that. So there is an anticipatory anxiety because it’s a build up to bonfire night and what it might mean for them.
“It’s unexpected so you can’t plan for it, you don’t know when your neighbours are going to set off their fireworks. It can be a very difficult time for people suffering from PTSD.”
They’re urging people to look our for their neighbours and attend and organised fireworks display if possible.
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