I'm so glad that you are excited about the amazing prizes, Ellie and Jozie! They really are spectacular!

Hi everyone!

Why is the Damien Molony Forum supporting two charities helping PTSD sufferers Mind and Combat Stress?

First of all, I had been thinking about which cause our next fundraiser would support for quite a while and had always had PTSD in mind because it is quite personal to me and also seems to be a theme in some of Damien's projects. Raising awareness by highlighting that became important to me, and when Damien generously gave me these prizes, it seemed the natural progression.

- 'The Body Of An American', written by Dan O'Brien and which Damien appeared in with William Gaminara in 2013, is very much centred on post traumatic stress disorder experienced by war photographer Paul Watson. 

- 'Suspects' in which Damien has appeared for 5 series, featured an episode in series 4 where the storyline followed an investigation into the disappearance of an Afghanistan veteran with PTSD.

- 'No Man's Land' in which Damien is appearing right now, is an absurdist play written by Harold Pinter, which Owen Teale described in the following way on the BBC Radio Newcastle interview with Damien: "Post traumatic I suppose is what comes up, it's hinted at constantly, never explained." (This is worthy of a whole discussion, look out for a new topic soon!)

- 'Being Human' in which Damien appeared 2012-2013, brought us vampire Hal Yorke, who as a young man was fatally wounded in the Battle Of Orsha and battled with his vampire nature using routines and with OCD tendencies. Damien always described this in terms of addiction, but could it also be said that Hal is a victim of trauma? (this is also worthy of a whole discussion!)

 

So I decided I wanted to support a veterans PTSD charity, but also an organisation offering wider support to non veterans suffering trauma and other mental health issues.

After some serious thought, research and contacting various organisations, and with Rosie and fifi's input, Combat Stress and Mind were the chosen charities. For those who do not know, Sir Patrick Stewart is also the charity ambassador for Combat Stress

 

More information on both organisations and on PTSD can be found below.

 

MIND

"We provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. We won't give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect."

Mind introductory video, with Stephen Fry

 

"If you are involved in or witness a traumatic event, it is common to experience upsetting, distressing or confusing feelings afterwards. The feelings of distress may not emerge straight away – you may just feel emotionally numb at first. After a while you may develop emotional and physical reactions, such as feeling easily upset or not being able to sleep.

This is understandable, and many people find that these symptoms disappear in a relatively short period of time. But if your problems last for longer than a month, or are very extreme, you may be given a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

There’s no time limit on distress, and some people may not develop post-traumatic symptoms until many years after the event. Additionally, not everyone who has experienced a traumatic event develops PTSD."

MIND - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

MIND - Understanding PTSD pdf

 

4 PTSD sufferers talk about their experiences

 

 

COMBAT STRESS

"Combat Stress is the UK's leading veterans' mental health charity. We treat a range of mental health conditions including PTSD, depression and anxiety.

Mental health issues can affect ex-servicemen and women of all ages. Right now, we have more than 6,000 veterans registered with us for support. We're a vital lifeline for these veterans, and their families.

 

Our treatment and support services are always free of charge for veterans. We are Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered and the NHS England PTSD specialist treatment provider for veterans.

Our vision is that veterans will be able to live free from the harmful effects of psychological injuries.

Our mission is to provide timely, effective clinical treatment and welfare support to veterans with psychological injuries."

 

Veterans share their  stories

 

Dr Talking about PTSD and Treatments

 

Sir Patrick Stewart (who Damien is appearing with in No Man's Land) is Combat Stress charity Ambassador

 

 

More info..

 

MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION

"Post-traumatic stress disorder is a reaction to exposure to very stressful and traumatising events. People experience flashbacks, panic attacks and other acute symptoms. It can be treated, so it is important to get expert help."

MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION - The Impact Of Traumatic Events On Mental Health

MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

 

 

I wanted to open the discussion up to the causes as much as the prizes Rosie

It would be interesting to hear what people think about Damien's projects in these terms, I didn't add Tiger Raid to the list in my last post, because none of us have seen it yet. (not long now!) But it would be fair to say that Simon Dixon has expressed in the past that the film explores how war and violence affects people. And while it may not be the case that the main characters suffer with PTSD, it is certainly an interesting way to think about them and the film.

Totally with you on that Rosie, Flight's background was definitely a troubled one and he was vulnerable to manipulation.

 

UPDATE!!!

As if there wasn't enough Mega Molony Memorabilia in the prize draw...

A new, very special prize will be announced tomorrow - watch this space!

(No spoilers!)

 

Meanwhile, thanks to latest generous donors, the fundraiser has nearly hit the 20% of target mark!

who is going to #givefive to help us reach it?

 

#GIVEFIVE to WIN a PRIZE

 

Wow, it's going really well. Damien has been very generous with the prizes, the poster is sensational.

I had intended to pinch/beg for one at the Metro station - there are normally a line of them on both sides of the escalators, but there were none on display. I did ask (ever hopeful) and was told that tickets had sold out so no posters were sent to go on display. Apart from anything else, I just wanted to look at all the posters showing Damien's name as I rode up or down.

 

It is so exciting Rosie.. and we've now reached and exceeded the 20% mark!

#GiveFive for a prize

 

 

Donated! w00t! Thanks for a great charity raffle, Domino!

 

It's National Stress Awareness Day, if you haven't already, please #GiveFive to the DMF Mega Molony Memorabilia Charity Prize Draw and help us raise as much as possible for two charities supporting PTSD sufferers - Combat Stress and Mind.

You could win an incredible Damien Molony prize!

Huge thanks to the latest donors.

Who is going to help us reach the quarter target mark?

 

#GiveFive for a prize

 

Thanks to our latest donor, fifi!

We've now exceeded the quarter way towards target mark!

Please help two great causes and donate, for your chance to win an epic prize from Damien himself!

#GiveFive for a prize

 

New banner for the MMM Charity Prize Draw!

Come on Molonians!

Have you SEEN these prizes?

Just 5 quid!

These are all priceless!

Let's do Damien and these charities proud!

#GiveFive for a prize