Music Instrumental In The Recovery Of Veterans

Veterans in the North-East are tackling mental health issues with an unusual hobby.

Catterick’s Help for Heroes Recovery Centre opened its wood carving workshop two years ago and, since then, hundreds of servicemen and women have passed through its doors. 

For some, such as 'Polly', it's really helped in their recovery.

He said: "Through my journey since 2008, I've been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, I haven't been able to hold anything down - it's been a struggle.

"I was just an emotional wreck before I started this course...but coming into this environment...meeting up with other veterans, the banter starts rolling - which, of course, I miss loads... (and) I've found something that I can do."

That 'something' is making his own guitar out of wood.

But, course supervisor Bob Marshall says that it's not merely about woodwork, but getting veterans to feel good about themselves again:

"You can take them from no skill, to making fine things, nice things."

Mr Marshall said the restoration in pride in those who go through the course is something to really be appreciated and admired.

Polly said of his own accomplishment:

"When the last screw went into the guitar, I had tears. It's an achievement.

"To see what I've produced, and when I plug it in and play it, it just sings to you, and it brings back loads of memories - that I've made this, I've made this sing."