The team at Mike Jackson House, our specialist veterans’ centre in Hampshire, was delighted to welcome Lt. Col. Neil Stace, finalist in the BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee. Lt. Col. Stace wanted to give a voice to veterans struggling with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), so gave an inspirational talk and sewing demonstration to mark Mental Health Awareness Week.

All of the ex-service personnel at the centre have faced homelessness and either struggle personally with PTSD or know former colleagues who do. Lt. Col. Stace told the assembled veterans and a battalion of media who attended the event that he wanted to help end the stigma attached to mental ill health. He said that having a hobby like sewing and craft making can be good for your wellbeing and mental health – and useful too.

He also proudly announced that he personally had mended many uniforms out in the field. If you know any veteran who is facing homelessness, contact Riverside’s SPACES telephone advice line on Tel: 01748 833797