A REHABILITATION centre which supports wounded, injured and sick veterans and service personnel has adapted its services after having to temporarily close.

Help for Heroes recovery centre, Phoenix House in Catterick Garrison, has been forced to suspend face-to-face contact with beneficiaries following Government guidelines in the fight against coronavirus.

The military charity is already providing welfare assistance offering the very latest benefits advice, counselling sessions, fellowship and support from its Veterans Clinical Liaison team of professionally qualified nurses amongst many other services via phone, Skype and digital platforms.

It is also working on innovative ways to maintain its unrivalled support with plans for virtual sports, health and activity programmes.

It is interacting with its beneficiaries through its social media platforms and started adding content to its website this week to specifically help manage anxiety and adapt to this ‘new normal’.

As well as offering top tips on how to engage with the news it is also uploading videos from its team of qualified expert on breathing techniques and yoga for better sleep which will be able to be viewed at https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/get-support/stronger-together/

David Walker, recovery manager north at Help for Heroes, said: “While we are not a crisis service, we are supporting people in crisis and we appreciate that this is a time of national and global crisis. As such we are committed to supporting those who need us through this unprecedented time.”

The situation will be actively reviewed between now and June and face-to-face support will resume in line with Government advice.

Mr Walker added: “Our psychological services are largely unaffected and being delivered right across our region as are welfare and clinical services. Accessing services is really quick and easy online or by phone and our response is incredibly fast. We have now made it even easier and quicker for new beneficiaries to reach the right sources of support.

“Issues such as anxiety and social isolation can feel overwhelming at times like this so it’s important to us that we do all we can to help.”

Recently, a ‘40,000 Strong’ art installation came to Middlesbrough as part of a Help for Heroes campaign to highlight the battle faced by men and women forced to leave the military due to physical and psychological injuries.

The charity created the striking installation called ‘40,000 Strong’ to help show the true scale of those who have put their lives on the line, which was on display at the Dundas Shopping Centre last month.

The miniature model army has been touring the UK and its visit to Middlesbrough will be the last chance to see it in the North.