THIS week, we’re shouting about a group of army veterans who work together to support people that struggle with PTSD.

The Swindon Trauma Group has spent 10 years educating people on the traumatic effects of war and offering advice on ways to deal with it.

Originally known as Swindon PTSD Working Group, the team helps those who are struggling with their mental health by providing them with therapeutic work in gardening and crafts at its centre in Westlea.

Chairman Dick Hilling said: “It’s an invisible illness and the group was formed because of a lack of services for post-traumatic stress survivors. This is still the case today.”

Vice chairman Rob Fenton moved to Swindon from South Africa in 2009 and knows all too well what it’s like to suffer with traumatic flashbacks.

Before he joined the group, a stress attack triggered by his time claering land mines in the Rhodesian Bush War left him too afraid to leave his Taw Hill home for 17 months.

Fortunately, the support of his wife and children rescued him from rock bottom and he now uses his experience to help others.

Speaking to the Adver before last year's conference, he said: “I’ve been through hell and back and I still have bad days, but I cope with them better.

“The love for my Judy, who has been my champion, as well as my kids, has stopped me from taking my life."

The group’s 10th annual conference will feature a range of workshops at the Swindon Marriott hotel on October 18 from 9am to 5.30pm.

This year’s theme is Moving On and includes Steve Carr from MindCanyon talking about how he raises awareness of mental health, two mums discussing the consequences of drug addiction, talks on how animals and music can be therapeutic, and a lecture on lessons learnt from the Grenfell Tower disaster.

Tickets for delegates cost £45 - or £25 if they’re group members and past presenters. An evening meal is included. The conference is supported by the Royal Wootton Bassett Rotary Club, Basepoint Business Centre and the Marriott Hotel.

Is there something about Swindon that you want to shout about? Please get in touch by calling 01793 501782 or email elizabeth.roberts@newsquest.co.uk