Plymouth army veteran sets up wellness club urging former service-people not to suffer alone
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is something that has been discussed more openly in recent years, working towards removing the stigma around the mental health condition.
However veterans say there is still not enough support available to them when they assimilate back into civilian life.
One army veteran in Plymouth has taken matters into his own hands, setting up a group to help fellow ex service-people to work through their experience with PTSD by engaging them in martial arts.
Stefan Daniel spent 26 years in the army, serving since the age of 16. But for the past two years he has been pouring his energy into helping others, with his club 'The Warrior Within'.
He is currently fundraising to cover the costs of a minibus so he can reach more people across the region who may not be able to get around on their own.
He says it is difficult for anyone coming out of a life in the armed forces to access effective support, and that the healing process is easier when surrounded by others with a shared experience.
Before lockdown, Stefan was at the gym every Sunday at 11am to help his colleagues focus their minds. The Warrior Within says it offers holistic healing with yoga and meditation sessions and art workshops.
The club is a lifeline to people like David, who says there was little support available to him when he left the armed forces.
Stefan says he knows there will be veterans struggling right now who will feel even getting in touch is too difficult - but he is urging them not to suffer alone.
He says The Warrior Within wants to offer camaraderie and support to anyone in recovery.