Here you can read some of our most compelling stories from veterans who have been overlooked by others, didn’t know where to turn to and have been helped tremendously by Battle Buddy UK’s team.
Phil is an ex-infantry soldier, he endured 7 years service, including 2 frontline tours of Afghanistan. After coming out of the army in 2013 civilian life was hard for Phil, he was suffering from PTSD and found it tough to adjust to his new life out of the military. Phil had asked a number of organisations for support but unfortunately, their help was not good enough. After posting a desperate cry for help on on facebook, Phil was contacted by Battle Buddy UK. Within 24 hours, Simon was at his door, ready to help him and his family make a well needed recovery.
“I would like to tell the people my story and the struggle that most young people have on leaving the forces. I was broken, my head constantly messing with my emotions, I never knew what was wrong with me from leaving the Army I knew myself things were not right.
I found it nearly impossible to mix with people I found it hard to engage in conversation, I would find myself been hypervigilant always waiting for things to happen when anyone would walk past me, I would get nervous.
When things got bad, I would switch off from life and fall into such a dark place crying inside and out for help I hated feeling like this.
I could never stop myself from falling into that unknown place I hated so much I asked so many different veteran organisations for help with nothing, I tried the civilian originations I have seen so many people I would always get my hopes up and be let down as soon as I mentioned ex forces, they would pass me on to the next person.
It left me thinking where I am going, it was just a sign posting exercise, I would go only to be let down again,
I fell into that dark place not long ago and I had no one at least that is what I thought,
I spoke to Simon Cook the CEO of battle buddy UK and explained how I was feeling, Simon is also very dear friend that I served with.
He explained Battle Buddy UK to me telling me not to worry, he said I promise you now I will help you; those words will stick with me forever.
I thought to myself how he can fix me if I do not even understand myself. Battle Buddy is run by Simon and his team, what they do is second to none,
I have been given a second chance of happiness thanks to Battle Buddy UK, know I can phone the team anytime day or night. I have been going to Battle Buddy UK for five weeks and I can honestly say I have never been in a better place as I am now.
Life is such a blessing now I love waking up, I love life and everything in it. My life is starting to fill with positive thoughts. As Simon keeps saying
“Positive thoughts produce positive outcomes”
For me now I love getting out and talking to people, I now pass strangers with a smile rather than worrying if the are going to attack me, Simon and his team have changed my life around for a better.
My friends and family are astonished just how far I have come seeing a different me, people often ask is that you Darren?
I really do feel like a different person, thanks to Simon and Joe an ex-veteran himself doing hypnotherapy I cannot begin to thank you both you have changed my life giving me the tools I so desperately needed to control my fears and worries.
I would recommend Battle Buddy UK to all veterans; trust me you will not be turned away. I would also recommend Hypnotherapy Joe has really programmed my thought process now, he as even helped me stop smoking.
Joe has taken all those negative thoughts out, it soon started filling up with all the positive thoughts. I am on the right road now feeling good in life.
I now know that there is help. I can also put my hand on my heart and say I love the new me. I am proud to be me best thing is Simon is a man of his word thank you my friend.
Thanks to the two Angels Simon and Joe, I will walk away with the knowledge Battle Buddy UK is there 24/7.
Darren
“Hi my name is Gary Mcbride I served with Simon cook.
“My partner Gary has been in contact with Battle Buddies and the support they have given him is incredible. Gary has been in contact with numerous charities to try get funding for Tom Harrison house who provide specialist counselling for ex forces who suffer with PTSD and addiction. We have tried to obtain funding from places like British Legion, SAFFA and his local regiment, amongst other charities but they have all turned their back on Gary despite having all the funds available to help. Simon and his charity are desperately trying to help Gary and other veterans who are in the same position but lack of funding means they are unable to pay for this life changing treatment. After months of trying to get help through Forward Leeds for a detox, we were getting no where but when Simon stepped in things progressed very quickly.
He’s supported Gary and I by being just a phone call away and contacting various people to access different forms of help for him.