Support for those who served in police and army

So many in our community have yet to express their true feelings as to how they were affected by years of violence and, I am afraid, this is not helped when so many have to fight to get their diagnosed PTSD recognised. At least they may be receiving some medical and social support as opposed to those still to come forward.

Through your columns can I speak directly to those many living in West Tyrone who served in the Military, Police or Prison Service during Operation Banner?

Military and Police Support of West Tyrone, MAPS, is here to provide low level support, drop in, advice, befriending and signposting for those who served. As a charity we are run by ex service for ex service so we have the empathy and understanding to provide a service to our former colleagues.

We have had an increase in enquiries from those from the area who have served and need to get that message out that they are not alone - we want to and will help as much as we can.

We would dearly like to offer a service to the rest of the community servants such as the Fire Brigade, Ambulance Service, nursing veterans etc but numbers dictate we cannot. We do however urge these people to seek the help and support they need via their local VSS NI funded organisation in their areas.

MAPS can be contacted by calling in to the office at 53 Market Street, Omagh, BT78 1EL ringing us on 028 82 245459 or emailing [email protected].

Please make the call and let us help or keep you informed for when that day comes.

Richard Scott MBE, Chairman, Military and Police Support of West Tyrone