S3 Ep: 3 From Military Child to Mental Health Advocate – Gary’s Journey with Op Courage

In this compelling episode of Shoulder to Shoulder, we hear the powerful story of Gary, whose early years were shaped by the challenges of being a military child. Growing up in a constantly shifting environment—moving from base to base as his father served in the RAF—Gary struggled with the emotional toll of repeatedly breaking friendships, adjusting to new surroundings, and dealing with the instability of military family life.

As these experiences took a toll on his mental health, Gary eventually faced a mental health crisis that led to hospitalisation. However, his journey didn’t end there. Through peer support, trauma-informed care, and professional help, he found a way forward. Today, Gary is a dedicated peer support worker with the NHS project Op Courage, where he provides essential mental health support for veterans, service leavers, and reservists.

In this episode, Gary shares: ✔️ How military life impacts childhood development and male mental health ✔️ The challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life ✔️ The critical role of peer support and trauma-informed care in recovery ✔️ His work with Op Courage, helping veterans reclaim their mental well-being

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in veterans' mental health, the power of peer support, and the importance of understanding trauma in military families. Whether you're a veteran, a supporter, or someone passionate about mental health advocacy, Gary’s journey will leave you inspired.

🎧 Listen now to hear Gary’s story of resilience, recovery, and the vital role of peer support in veterans’ mental health.