Healing the Wounds (HTW) is a British charity launched in December 2009 to help provide support and care for British servicemen and women suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder It was founded by Kevin Richards, a former British Army combat medic, who recognised the lack of aftercare support and treatment for sufferers of PTSD in Wales.
 | |
| Abbreviation | HTW |
|---|---|
| Formation | 2009 |
| Type | Charity |
| Purpose | Supporting British Armed Forces servicemen and women with posttraumatic stress disorder |
| Headquarters | Tondu, Bridgend |
Region served | Wales |
| Kevin Richards (founder) | |
| Website | healingthewounds |
History
editHealing the Wounds was founded by Kevin Richards in 2009. Richards had previously served with the Royal Regiment of Wales as a combat medic and completed tours of duty in numerous countries including Northern Ireland and Operation Desert Storm. His involvement with the Royal Welsh Veterans Association and his own background in army medicine led him to recognise the lack of support for PTSD sufferers in Wales and made him determined to do something to help.
Campaigns
editGolden Grove Mansion Appeal
editSince Healing the Wounds' foundation, the charity campaigned to raise funds to purchase and maintain a convalescent home based at Golden Grove Mansion in Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire. However, by January 2011 the condition of Golden Grove had deteriorated to such an extent that it would not have been financially viable to renovate and maintain the mansion as a retreat for PTSD sufferers. Nevertheless, Healing the Wounds remains devoted to the development of a convalescent home within Wales and the £120,000 raised through the campaign shall be spent on treatment for those suffering from PTSD.[1]
Fundraising activities
editNation Radio campaign
editBetween 14 November and 2 December 2011, Healing the Wounds was chosen as a nominated charity for a fundraising campaign by South Wales radio station, Nation Radio.
Criticism
editA BBC investigation criticised Healing the Wounds' use of Neuro-linguistic programming and the inaccurate description of the experience of one of its counsellors.[2]
Trustees
editThe trustees are:[3]
- William John – Chairman of the Bridgend Branch of The Royal Welsh Association
- Arfon Williams – Former Combat Medic, Royal Regiment of Wales and current Vice Chairman of the British Legion, Ynysybwl Branch
Patrons
editThe patrons are:[4]
- Brigadier Robert Aitken CBE
- Michael Sheen, actor
- Nigel Owens, rugby union referee
References
edit- ^ "Golden Grove Mansion abandoned as forces retreat". BBC News. BBC. 22 January 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2012.
- ^ "Neuro Linguistic Programming: Mental health veterans therapy worry". BBC News. BBC. 22 October 2013. Retrieved 2 October 2013.
- ^ "Healing the Wounds Contact and trustees". Charity Commission. Retrieved 18 December 2013.
- ^ "Healing the Wounds". Healing the Wounds. Retrieved 18 December 2013.