Combat Stress – the UK’s leading veterans’ mental health charity – is running a series of free, online webinars in the lead up to PTSD Awareness Day (27 June 2026), increasing understanding about the condition and raise awareness about the help available.
The seminars will run 22 – 26 June 2026 and aim to help participants learn more about the signs and symptoms as well as treatment and recovery. Further information on each session is available below.
Panel discussion: Is recovery from PTSD truly possible?
Mon 22nd June 2026 | 12–1pm
Speakers:
Prof. Dominic Murphy, Head of Research
Francesca Weir, Lead Occupational Therapist
Veteran
Host: Andrew Veevers
PTSD can feel overwhelming, but recovery is absolutely possible. In this candid panel conversation, Combat Stress’ Head of Research Dr Dominic Murphy, Senior Occupational Therapist Samantha Reece, and a veteran who has completed the charity’s treatment will share evidence, lived experience, and practical insights into what recovery truly means. Together, they’ll explore why every recovery journey is unique, how data shows meaningful improvement is achievable, and why PTSD does not have to define a lifetime. The session will also include a live Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly with the panel.
PTSD or complex PTSD: What is the difference?
Tues 23rd June 2026 | 12–1pm
Speakers:
Dr Katrina Aguilera, Senior Counselling Psychologist.
Dr Leanne Bannister, Principal Clinical Psychologist
Host: Dr Vicky Aldridge
What really are the differences between PTSD and complex PTSD? This webinar brings together Combat Stress’ Principal Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and EMDR Practitioner Holly-Jane Hatcher and Principal Clinical Psychologist Dr Leanne Bannister to unpack the distinctions between PTSD and complex PTSD from a psychological perspective. Attendees will explore the types of traumatic experiences that can lead to complex PTSD, how it commonly presents in veterans, and the current evidence base for effective treatment. The session includes a live Q&A for participants to engage directly with the speakers.
Using your senses to cope with PTSD
Weds 24th June 2026 | 12–1pm
PTSD Speaker:
Leona Waterfield, Lead Occupational Therapist,
Joanna Bird, Senior Occupational Therapist,
Host: Andrew Veevers
Our senses shape how we experience the world — and they can also be powerful tools in managing PTSD. Led by Combat Stress’ Lead Occupational Therapist Leona Waterfield, this engaging session will explore how sensory modulation works and why it can make a meaningful difference in recovery. The webinar will introduce simple, practical skills to help regulate emotions and ease PTSD symptoms, offering attendees a foundation they can build on in daily life.
How data can transform PTSD recovery
Thurs 25th June 2026 | 10-11am
Speaker:
Dr Lee Robinson, Clinical Lead and Head of Clinical Information
Host: Dr Vicky Aldridge
What difference can data really make in PTSD recovery? In this session, Combat Stress’ Clinical Lead and Head of Clinical Information Dr Lee Robinson will break down how data helps personalise treatment for veterans, supports clinicians in refining their practice, and drives ongoing service improvement. Attendees will also hear how data collected at scale is shaping the next generation of PTSD treatment.
Helping organisations to support PTSD recovery
Fri 26th June 2026 | 12–1pm
Speaker:
Dr Vicky Aldridge, Principal Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Lead for Learning and Development
Host: Andrew Veevers
Organisations play a powerful role in shaping safe, supportive environments for people living with PTSD. Join Combat Stress’ Principal Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Lead for Learning and Development Dr Vicky Aldridge for an engaging and practical session on what it means to be trauma-informed, why it matters, and how organisations can meaningfully contribute to recovery. The webinar will introduce a clear, structured approach to becoming trauma-informed, with practical steps that any organisation can begin to implement.
