ERS Gold Award July 2025

PTSD Resolution Receives Prestigious Gold Award for Supporting Armed Forces Community

PTSD Resolution CIO, a leading UK mental health charity supporting veterans, Reservists and their families, has been awarded the prestigious Gold level of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) for 2025.

The Gold Award represents the highest badge of honour for employers who champion the Armed Forces community and uphold the Armed Forces Covenant. PTSD Resolution is one of only 16 organisations in the South East to receive this recognition, joining over 200 employers nationwide who have demonstrated exceptional support to veterans, Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and military families.

Charles Highett, CEO of PTSD Resolution, said: "We are deeply honoured to receive this Gold Award recognition. As a charity founded specifically to support the mental welfare of those who have served our country, this award reflects our unwavering commitment not just to our clients, but to the entire Armed Forces community. Our mission has always been to ensure that anyone who has been traumatised in service, along with their families, receives the immediate, effective mental health support they deserve."

To achieve Gold status, organisations must provide at least 10 days' additional paid leave for Reservists, implement comprehensive HR policies for veterans and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, advocate for Defence across their networks, and demonstrate sustained commitment well beyond minimum requirements.

Since its foundation in 2009, PTSD Resolution has treated over 4,500 veterans, Reservists and family members through its nationwide network of 200 qualified Human Givens Institute (HGI) therapists. The charity provides free, prompt and effective mental health treatment, with clients typically receiving their first appointment within 12 days of registration.

"This recognition validates our approach of doing more with less," added Highett. "We operate as a lean charity with no full-time staff or fixed assets, ensuring that 93% of our spending goes directly to charitable objectives. Each course of treatment costs the charity an average of £940, delivered completely free of charge to our Armed Forces community."

The charity's FAITH (Family Assistance & Intervention for Trauma Healing) programme has achieved a 68% reliable improvement rate for family members receiving therapy, whilst its pioneering work in prisons has supported 202 veterans across 35 establishments nationwide.

PTSD Resolution's commitment extends beyond direct therapy provision. The charity delivers Trauma Awareness Training for Employers (TATE) to organisations nationwide, helping them recognise and support staff experiencing trauma. This training has proven particularly valuable for companies employing veterans and those seeking to strengthen their Armed Forces Covenant commitments.

Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns DSO OBE MC MP, commented: "Employers are crucial partners in protecting our security and boosting the economy. By backing veterans, Reservists, military families, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and the Cadet movement, these organisations build resilient communities and the innovation Defence needs."

The award comes as PTSD Resolution continues to expand its services, including groundbreaking resilience training programmes for Ukrainian Territorial Defence Forces and enhanced support for veterans experiencing homelessness through partnerships with other Cobseo organisations.

About PTSD Resolution

PTSD Resolution CIO (Charity No. 1202649) provides free therapy for the mental welfare of Forces' Veterans, Reservists and their families. Treatment is delivered promptly and locally through a network of 200 therapists nationwide, and also by phone and internet. The charity is accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists to the Quality Network for Veterans Mental Health Services and is a member of Cobseo, the Confederation of Service Charities.

For further information:

• Website: www.ptsdresolution.org

• Helpline: 0300 302 0551

• Email: contact@ptsdresolution.org

Press contact: contact@ptsdresolution.org Tel: 0300 302 0551

Notes to editors:

• The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme was launched in 2014 to encourage employers to support the Armed Forces community

• Gold Award winners must demonstrate sustained commitment well beyond minimum requirements

• PTSD Resolution operates with no full-time staff, ensuring maximum funds reach those in need

• The charity has achieved recognition for being first to treat veterans in prisons, first to support families living overseas, and first to work with foreign interpreters who served HM Forces