Shell Shock is one soldier’s story of coping with the mental health issues which for some can lead to a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. After serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, Tommy Atkins’ observations on life on Civvy Street are poignant, frequently comic and always moving.

Trauma does not have to mean PTSD in the most severe cases imagined. At any level it can cause flashbacks, nightmares, anger and depression and can lead to alcohol and substance abuse, job loss, family breakdown and even suicide. All these topics are covered in the production with the hope sufferers or those close to them can connect and identify with the performance and seek help from a range of specialist services available for the Armed Forces Community.

Shellshock is a highly entertaining piece albeit with a serious message. On Remembrance Day join us for a special screening of the recently developed online version of the performance and have the opportunity as audience members to interact with a live panel discussion after the screening.

Panel:

• Bill Grant - Both Bill’s parents served, but he pursued a career in the City for thirty years before feeling that there was far more to life. Having trained as a counsellor he subsequently spent time working with disadvantaged young people in his area and becoming a Samaritan. He joined SSAFA over four years ago to run their Forcesline helpline and to do what he strongly believes in.
• Tim Marriott - Tim is a writer, director and performer. He not only wrote the adaptation and film version of Shell Shock but also directed and performed in Shell Shock, which debuted in Edinburgh with Army@TheFringe prior to a tour across Australia supporting the Invictus Games. He has received awards including the Sunday Mail, New York Fringe Encore and Best Male Solo at Adelaide. He is probably best known for BBC TV's sit-com The Brittas Empire, as deputy manager, Gavin. Other TV credits include Allo Allo, and The Bill.
• Martin Diver - Following an 8 year career in the British Army, Martin retrained as a Mental Health Nurse and has worked for the NHS for the past 12 years. He is the Armed Forces Lead for Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. He is passionate about facilitating best outcomes for Veterans and their families using mental health services. Twitter: @SussexAFC
• Diane Palmer - Diane has spent 27 years working as a nurse, social worker and therapist. She managed the MOD mental health social work service nationally before founding the awarding winning NHS Veterans Mental Health Services across the Midlands and East. Diane is now leading on trauma informed care and veterans at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust and remains a Director of www.changingmindschanginglives.co.uk
• David Powell - David served in the British Army and is currently the Regional Clinical Lead of the Transition, Intervention and Liaison Service (TILS) for the Midlands and East, run by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust.
• Jane Burt - Jane is the Carers' & Families and Mental Health Lead for the Sussex and Kent & Medway Armed Forces Networks and has 20 years of experience working for voluntary sector and statutory services; including working with both mental health service users and their friends and families to ensure they receive appropriate and timely support. She has personal experience of mental ill health and is a strong advocate for ensuring that carers and supporters have their voices heard and listened to.

This event is open to all members of the public (aged 18 and over) including serving personnel, veterans and their family members.

WARNING

This performance contains adult themes and strong language which some might find offensive. It also features flashing lights, loud sound effects and scenes which some may find upsetting or disturbing. It may also impact those who have experienced traumatic memories.

This event is a collaboration between Shell Shock Media CIC, the Armed Forces Networks: Sussex and Kent & Medway, SSAFA and Changing Minds, Changing Lives which will lead to a suite of online training.