PTSD Resolution wins Ministry of Defence Gold Award for exceptional Armed Forces support

Leading veterans' mental health charity PTSD Resolution has been awarded the prestigious Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award, the Ministry of Defence's highest badge of honour for organisations demonstrating exceptional support to the Armed Forces community.

The charity was presented with the Gold Award at a ceremony on Tuesday 23rd September 2025 at the Army Flying Museum in Middle Wallop, Hampshire, by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Mr Nigel Atkinson. PTSD Resolution is one of only 16 organisations across the South East to receive this recognition in 2025, joining over 200 employers nationwide receiving Gold Awards in 2025. Since 2020, approximately 1,200 organisations have achieved this highest level of commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

Outstanding commitment to veterans' mental health

PTSD Resolution has provided free, confidential mental health treatment to over 4,500 UK veterans, reservists and their families since its founding in 2009. The charity's innovative approach delivers remarkable outcomes with an 82% completion rate, 79% reliable improvement rate, and 66% recovery rate for PTSD cases. Operating through a network of 200 qualified therapists across the UK, the organisation ensures rapid access to support with an average wait time of just 12 days from registration to first treatment.

"Receiving the Gold Award is a great honour that recognises not just our organisation, but also the dedication of our entire network of therapists and supporters who work tirelessly to ensure no veteran faces mental health challenges alone," said Charles Highett, CEO of PTSD Resolution.

"This award validates our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and our mission to provide immediate, effective mental health support to those who have served our country. The Gold Award will help us reach even more veterans and their families who need our services, reinforcing that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness."

Exemplary support without barriers

The ERS Gold Award recognises employers who go above and beyond in their support for the Armed Forces community, demonstrating exceptional commitment through their policies, practices and advocacy. PTSD Resolution exemplifies these values through its barrier-free approach to mental health care – requiring no GP referral and providing treatment at an average cost of just £940 per complete course of therapy, funded entirely through donations.

The charity's commitment extends to the most vulnerable veterans, including those struggling with addiction issues and the 202 veterans they have treated across 39 UK prisons, including four recently added facilities in Scotland (Kilmarnock, Barlinnie, Low Moss and Shotts). Their innovative FAITH programme (Family Assistance & Intervention for Trauma Healing) recognises that trauma affects entire households, providing vital support to spouses, partners and children of veterans.

Leading sector transformation

PTSD Resolution's Gold Award follows their Silver Award received in September 2024, demonstrating rapid progression in meeting the scheme's stringent criteria. The organisation uses Human Givens therapy, an evidence-based approach that avoids requiring clients to relive traumatic events, preventing re-traumatisation whilst achieving exceptional clinical outcomes.

Chairman Col. Tony Gauvain (Retired), who co-founded the charity in 2009, attended the ceremony alongside CEO Charles Highett and Outreach Manager Ashley Lamb. Under their leadership, PTSD Resolution has grown from a pilot study to a nationally recognised service accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists to the Quality Network for Veterans Mental Health Services.

About the Employer Recognition Scheme Award

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award represents the highest level of commitment an organisation can demonstrate to the Armed Forces community. Recipients must meet rigorous criteria including proactive forces-friendly recruitment practices, provision of additional leave for Reservists, support for Cadet Forces, and advocacy within their sector. Gold Award holders act as exemplars, helping shift national attitudes and raise standards across their industries.

The South East region ceremony at the historic Army Flying Museum brought together leading organisations from across the region who share PTSD Resolution's commitment to supporting those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces.

Supporting veterans nationwide

With 93% of donations directly supporting treatment delivery due to the charity having no salaried staff or assets, PTSD Resolution continues to expand its reach across the UK. Veterans, reservists and their families can access free, confidential support through the charity's website at www.ptsdresolution.org or by calling 0300 302 0551.

The Gold Award strengthens PTSD Resolution's position as a leading voice in veterans' mental health, enabling them to advocate for improved support across the sector whilst maintaining their core mission: ensuring that no veteran or family member affected by military trauma suffers in silence.

Contact Information:

PTSD Resolution Press Office
Email: contact@ptsdresolution.org
Phone: 0300 302 0551
Website: www.ptsdresolution.org

Notes to Editors:

PTSD Resolution is a charity registered in England and Wales (No. 1202649) providing free, confidential mental health treatment to UK Armed Forces veterans, reservists and their families. The charity is a member of COBSEO (The Confederation of Service Charities) and is accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Treatment is delivered through a network of 200 Human Givens qualified therapists across the UK, with services available in-person, online or by telephone. 

Defence Employer Recognition Scheme - GOV.UK