A NATIONAL charity is alerting military veterans, reservists and dependents to additional support available for those suffering from the effects of military post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The charity PTSD Resolution is raising funds to ensure treatment can continue to be available locally, free of charge.

Therapist Christine McIntyre, of Melsonby, near Richmond, who is working with the charity, said: "PTSD Resolution offers fast help for local armed forces veterans, with no waiting lists.

"Just three to five one-hour sessions are usually required to resolve military trauma on an outpatient basis.

"Access is usually free for veterans and reservists and no doctor’s referrals are needed.

"PTSD Resolution is a very lean organisation; there is no salaried staff or premises and all funds are used for locally based therapy and to provide information of the help available."

There are some ten million veterans and dependents in the UK, according to the charity.

An estimated 20 per cent of ex-servicemen and women have mental health problems from war zone deployment, it says.

Overall, mental health disorders account for one in five of all work days lost and cost UK employers billions each year.

The symptoms of PTSD can be severe and lifelong, unless appropriate treatment is received.

Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares and depression.

Without appropriate help the results can be family breakdown, homelessness, criminality and even suicide.

PTSD Resolution has a high success rate of over in resolving military trauma through the 200 therapists in its national network.

Trauma awareness training is also available locally through Envision Success, a therapy and training provider run by Ms McIntyre.

The next available date for this training is Saturday (June 20), at Morton Park Training Centre, in Darlington.

Visit envisionsuccess.co.uk for more information and for more information about PTSD visit ptsdresolution.org