Former Chief of the Defence Staff Appointed President of Veterans’ Mental Health Charity

PTSD Resolution has announced that Marshal of the Royal Air Force Lord Stirrup KG has accepted the position of President of the charity, which provides vital support to veterans in the security and other sectors.

The charity works closely with leading industry bodies including ASIS, Chartered Institute of Information Security, the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals and the Security Institute to reach those who need help. The charity has treated 4,500 veterans, as well as reservists and families, including many now working across the security industry in roles from frontline operations to cybersecurity.

Lord Stirrup served as Chief of the Defence Staff from 2006 to 2010, leading Britain's Armed Forces during concurrent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Before this, he was Chief of the Air Staff from 2003 to 2006.

A fast jet pilot who flew combat missions in the Dhofar War while seconded to the Sultan of Oman's Air Force, Lord Stirrup understands first-hand what service personnel face. He was the first British commander of forces fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan during Operation Veritas in 2001. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II appointed him Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter in 2013. He sits as a Crossbench peer in the House of Lords.

Security sector support

The security industry employs thousands of ex-military personnel in roles ranging from close protection and corporate security to cybersecurity and risk management. Research by the Chartered Institute of Information Security found that over half of cybersecurity professionals suffer from work-related stress – with symptoms that can mirror combat trauma.

Colonel Tony Gauvain (retired), Chairman and co-founder of PTSD Resolution, said: "We're delighted that Lord Stirrup has agreed to take on this role. Having commanded forces in Afghanistan and led our Armed Forces during years of intense operations, he has seen what prolonged conflict does to people. That understanding matters enormously to veterans seeking help.

"Many of the veterans we support now work in security. The transition from military service to the security sector is natural, but the mental health challenges don't disappear. Through our partnerships in the sector we can reach veterans wherever they work."

All veterans, reservists and their families receive treatment free of charge. PTSD Resolution also delivers Trauma Awareness Training and Education (TATE) workshops to security companies and other organisations, helping line managers and HR teams identify and support colleagues experiencing trauma or stress. Other staff can access therapy through the charity's therapist network.

Treatment typically begins within 12 days of registration. No GP referral is needed. The charity supports veterans across the United Kingdom, including those in custody, and online across the world.

Lord Arbuthnot continues his involvement with the charity as Vice-President. A former Minister of State for Defence Procurement and Chairman of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee for nearly a decade, he first came across PTSD Resolution's work while scrutinising defence matters in Parliament.

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Editors notes

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About PTSD Resolution

PTSD Resolution provides free, prompt therapy to veterans, reservists and their families dealing with PTSD, anxiety and depression. Treatment is delivered by accredited Human Givens therapists throughout the UK.

Charity No. 1202649 Website: www.ptsdresolution.org Helpline: 0300 302 0551

Media enquiries: PTSD Resolution Email: contact@ptsdresolution.org 

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