S.A.F.E is a support hub for military personnel and veterans together with the emergency service work force to assist them with symptoms of PTSD and related issues. S.A.F.E offers support and assistance through the individuals personal battles with mental health issues. We also offer support for families, assisting them in the journey to recovery.

Understanding PTSD: Symptoms and Support

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. This may involve situations where serious harm occurred or was threatened.

Traumatic events can include accidents, physical or sexual assault, natural disasters, or military combat. However, PTSD is not limited to extreme or high-profile situations—it can also affect people in everyday roles such as emergency service workers or individuals who have experienced personal trauma.

In the UK, around 3 in 100 people are estimated to experience PTSD, although many cases remain undiagnosed.

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to developing PTSD, particularly those who:

  • Did not receive adequate support at the time of the trauma
  • Have experienced previous traumatic events
  • Have a history of mental health challenges

While PTSD can be deeply distressing, it is important to know that effective support and treatment are available, and many people recover with the right help.

Common Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD can affect people in different ways, but common symptoms include:

  • Flashbacks or reliving the traumatic event
  • Nightmares and disturbed sleep
  • Intrusive or distressing memories
  • Strong emotional or physical reactions to reminders of the trauma
  • Avoidance of places, people, or situations linked to the event
  • Withdrawal from social interaction
  • Feeling emotionally numb or detached
  • Difficulty remembering parts of the trauma
  • Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
  • Feeling constantly on edge or alert
  • Irritability or mood changes
  • Difficulty concentrating

Support and Therapeutic Approaches

A range of evidence-based therapies can support individuals experiencing PTSD. These may include:

  • Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Integrative counselling and talking therapies
  • Psychiatric assessment where appropriate

In addition, supportive wellbeing approaches such as mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help individuals manage stress and improve overall wellbeing.

Research also shows that the following can support recovery and symptom management:

  • Gentle physical activity (e.g. yoga or Tai Chi)
  • Spending time in nature
  • Maintaining supportive relationships
  • Engaging in meaningful activities such as volunteering
  • Practising self-care, including healthy eating, good sleep, and reducing alcohol intake

Our Approach to Support

At S.A.F.E, your journey begins with a supportive conversation with a trained team member. This allows us to understand your needs and explore the most appropriate support options for you.

We recognise that everyone’s experience is different. Some individuals may benefit from specialist therapies such as CBT or EMDR, while others may need time to build confidence, stability, and support networks before engaging in trauma-focused work.

We also understand that talking about trauma can feel overwhelming. You will never be pressured to share more than you are comfortable with. Support is always delivered at a pace that feels right for you.

Where appropriate, we can help you access additional professional or clinical services to ensure you receive the level of care you need.

Our focus is on providing safe, compassionate, and person-centred support, helping you move forward in a way that feels manageable and empowering.


FEEL FREE TO VOLUNTEER AND SUPPORT OTHERS WITHIN THE HANDS OF S.A.F.E

Founded in 2015, S.A.F.E brings together a highly experienced and multidisciplinary team with over 40 years of combined expertise in the mental health sector. Our team includes peer support workers, qualified psychotherapists, psychologists, occupational health practitioners, and counsellors, many of whom have both military and civilian backgrounds. This blend of professional and lived experience enables us to provide compassionate, practical, and informed support to those affected by trauma.

We specialise in supporting individuals experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related challenges. Our approach is person-centred, meaning we tailor support to each individual’s needs, circumstances, and readiness to engage.

S.A.F.E currently offers both face-to-face support and remote (online) counselling services, allowing us to reach individuals not only across the UK but internationally. This flexible approach ensures that support remains accessible, regardless of location or personal circumstances.

Our work extends beyond the UK. We are actively collaborating with members of the Ukrainian military and associated support services to provide mental health assistance to those impacted by conflict. As part of this ongoing commitment, we are in the process of establishing a dedicated support hub in Ukraine, which will provide a safe and secure environment where individuals can access trauma-informed care, guidance, and emotional support during wartime conditions.

At S.A.F.E, our mission is to create safe spaces—both physically and emotionally—where individuals feel heard, supported, and empowered to begin their recovery journey.

Business Hours

Mon - Fri
-
Sat - Sun
Closed

Contacts


Spencer Orchard 

Founder of S.A.F.E.

Email: spencermichelle@live.co.uk / spencersafe@mail.com 

Telephone: 07503552984



Gerry Burt

West Scotland Support Worker

Email: gerrysafe@mail.com


Andy Johns

Sussex Peer Support Worker

Telephone 07714254040


Peko Protopopov

East Anglia Essex Support Worker

Bulgarian Interpreter

Email: poppysafe@mail.com

Telephone: 07823385795


Feel free to leave a message between out-of-hours times.

WhatsApp or Text


🚨 Immediate danger

  • Call 999 or go to A&E if someone’s life is at risk or you feel unable to stay safe.

📞 24/7 Crisis Support

  • Samaritans
    📞 Call     116 123 (free)
    💬 Email:     jo@samaritans.org
  • For anyone struggling to cope or in distress
  • Shout
    📱 Text     SHOUT to 85258
  • Free, confidential text support any time
  • NHS 111
    📞 Call     111 and select the mental health option
  • Access to urgent mental health advice and local crisis teams

🧠 NHS Mental Health Crisis Services

  • NHS Urgent Mental Health Helplines
  • Available in every area of England
  • Open 24/7 for people of all ages
  • Provides support, assessment, and access to crisis teams

👉 Find your local helpline via the NHS website or by calling 111.

👥 Support for specific groups

  • CALM (for men)
    📞 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight)
    💬 Webchat available
  • Papyrus
    📞 0800 068 4141
    📱 Text     HOPELINEUK to 88247
  • Childline
    📞 0800 1111

💬 If you’re not in immediate danger

You can also contact your GP, local mental health team, or trusted person for support.





                               


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Our team

Our team consists of professionals with extensive experience in the mental health sector. This includes both individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges and those with formal qualifications across a range of mental health disciplines, ensuring a well-rounded and understanding approach to the support we provide.

Founder’s Story

Hi, my name is Spencer. I am an Army veteran who was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), along with other co-occurring conditions, as a result of my time in the Armed Forces.

For nearly 20 years, I lived with symptoms that were repeatedly misdiagnosed and, as a result, I received treatment that did not meet my needs. During that time, I experienced very limited support, and much of what was available lacked a true understanding of the realities faced by those living with trauma—particularly within military and emergency service environments.

These experiences led me to establish S.A.F.E.

Why S.A.F.E Was Created

S.A.F.E was founded to provide the kind of support that I, and many others, did not receive when we needed it most. Our aim is to support military personnel, veterans, and members of the emergency services throughout their journey with PTSD and other related mental health challenges.

We recognise that recovery is not just about therapy alone. That is why S.A.F.E offers a wider support network, including:

  • Guidance on treatment options and support pathways
  • Advice on benefits, tribunals, and appeals
  • Access to professional mental health support
  • Peer support from individuals with lived experience

By combining clinical expertise with real-life understanding, we aim to offer a service that is both professional and genuinely relatable—providing a supportive hand at every stage of recovery.

Experience and Expertise

Alongside our lived experience, we bring over 30 years of professional experience within the mental health sector, including the military, Emergency Services, Prison Services, and Civil Service. The team has continued to develop my knowledge through higher education, achieving PHD, Honours degrees, Master’s degrees in psychology, counselling, and Safeguarding. In addition. We have trained in and gained certification across a range of therapeutic approaches.

Our driving force is simple: to ensure that others do not have to endure years of misunderstanding, misdiagnosis, and ineffective treatment before receiving the right support.

Our Vision

S.A.F.E is a support hub created by veterans and supported by individuals with both clinical expertise and lived experience. Our vision is to build a trusted, high-quality service that supports not only those living with PTSD, but also individuals experiencing a wide range of mental health challenges, including those arising from the pressures of everyday life.

We are actively encouraging involvement from other veterans and emergency service personnel who want to use their experience to support others. If you are interested in volunteering and making a difference, we welcome you to get in touch with our team.

Together, we grow. Together, we support.

International Support

Our work is not limited to the UK. We are currently working alongside the Ukrainian military and associated organisations to provide mental health support to both serving personnel and civilians affected by the ongoing conflict.

As part of this initiative, S.A.F.E is establishing a dedicated support hub in Kyiv. This hub will provide access to guidance, support, and trauma-informed care, alongside a secure and confidential online service operating between Ukraine and the United Kingdom. Our aim is to ensure that those affected by war have access to consistent, reliable mental health support when they need it most.

Our Commitment

At S.A.F.E, we believe that no one should face mental health challenges alone. Through understanding, experience, and professional support, we are committed to helping individuals rebuild their lives with confidence and dignity.

Working together, we can make a difference.


Charity Number: 1217867