Help for Heroes encouraging self care during difficult times

Armed Forces charity Help for Heroes is encouraging anyone who is struggling in the current challenging times to download its ‘Field Guide to Self Care’.

The resource was originally developed for military personnel who have experienced traumatic events.

However, during Mental Health Awareness Week, and in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the charity is now encouraging frontline key workers and those struggling during the lockdown to practice self care.

Welsh actor Matthew Gravelle, known for roles in Broadchurch, Keeping Faith and The Snow Spider, among others, has narrated the guided meditations in both English and Welsh.

The BAFTA-nominated actor from Porthcawl said: “I was delighted to be able to support Help for Heroes in delivering this valuable resource bilingually.

“It was an honour to be able to contribute to something which can help our key workers – and everyone who’s struggling – at this incredibly difficult time.”

Help for Heroes’ Shelley Elgin said: “As a charity, we have supported more than 25,000 ex-service personnel and families, many of whom have faced similar situations to those our NHS staff are facing around the country right now: challenging environments; working outside of normal areas of work; working with protective equipment and putting themselves at risk.

“Many have also been taken away from family, friends and colleagues for extended and uncertain periods of time.”

“We know how beneficial the Field Guide has been to men and women struggling with the emotional challenges and practical changes we are all facing at this challenging time, and we wanted to make sure it’s available and accessible to as many people as possible.” 

She added: “We are very grateful that Matthew has helped us create our Welsh Field Guide, and we hope it means that even more men and women across Wales will now benefit from the techniques and exercises we’ve developed with and for our veterans.”

To view the Field Guide to Self Care, visit obv.sr/h4hen. To view it in Welsh, visit obv.sr/h4hcy