Combat Stress

What Combat Stress does

Combat Stress is the UK's leading veterans' mental health charity, founded in 1919 (originally as the Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society) and structured as a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales (Company No. 00256353) and Scotland (No. SC038828). It provides specialist clinical treatment and support for former members of the British Armed Forces with trauma-related mental health conditions, principally PTSD, Complex-PTSD and moral injury. Core services comprise a 24/7 helpline (0800 138 1619), enhanced stabilisation and trauma-focused therapy delivered in-person at four UK regional hubs (Leatherhead HQ, Birmingham, Glasgow, Belfast) and online, the VICTOR award-winning intensive online treatment programme (completion in as little as two weeks), a veteran-led Peer Support Service, family-focused programmes (Together, Stronger Together), self-help digital resources at selfhelp.combatstress.org.uk, and a professional training platform (Combat Stress Learning). The charity maintains a Research Department established in 2013, co-located with King's Centre for Military Health Research at King's College London, which has produced 150+ peer-reviewed outputs.

The underlying technology stack is built around clinical workflow rather than software products: a proprietary Quality and Effectiveness Data (QED) system enables systematic veteran self-reporting against approved clinical measures to quantify treatment outcomes (disclosed 70% PTSD recovery rate); peer-reviewed evidence base through King's College London; online self-help and learning platforms hosted at sub-domains; and Gambling Commission-licensed lottery infrastructure administered via Sterling Management Centre. Key regulatory credentials include QNVMHS accreditation (2022), Care Quality Commission registration, Care Inspectorate oversight in Scotland, RQIA inspection in Northern Ireland and Royal College of Psychiatrists accreditation (March 2026).

The business model is donation-funded rather than commercially priced: all clinical services are delivered free of charge to eligible veterans (UK-resident, UK-GP-registered; including non-operational reservists and former Merchant Navy). Approximately 77% of total income derives from donations across six streams: individual giving, legacy gifts (1 in 5 veterans supported via Wills), a £1/week lottery (2025 ticket sales £204,944, prizes up to £10,000), corporate partnerships (BAE Systems, Pall-Ex, KBR, Unum, Veolia), trust and foundation grants, and government funding (Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, Office for Veterans' Affairs), supplemented by commercial affiliate referral income from veteran-owned brands. Customer segments are vertically defined: (i) UK veterans with trauma-related mental health conditions, (ii) families of veterans, (iii) serving personnel and reserves, and (iv) NHS/charity healthcare professionals referring into the service. Reach is UK-wide only; veterans must be UK-resident and GP-registered, and Northern Ireland residents are excluded from the lottery.

Name

Combat Stress

Legal name

Combat Stress

Website

https://combatstress.org.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1919

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Combat Stress is a UK charitable company (founded 1919) providing free specialist clinical treatment for British Armed Forces veterans with PTSD, Complex-PTSD and moral injury, delivered via a 24/7 helpline, four regional hubs, the VICTOR online programme and veteran-led peer support, funded primarily through donations, legacy gifts, lottery and grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Veteran Mental Health Services

NAICS

Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAGAEAD

Domestic Violence & Abuse Support Services

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Social Services & Community Support (Food, Housing, Family)

SECONDARYHSADAJAI

Trauma-Informed Mindfulness & Somatic Mind-Body Practices

Home & Personal Services/Fitness, Wellness & Personal Training/Meditation, Mindfulness & Breathwork

Keywords

• Veterans mental health
• PTSD treatment services
• Trauma-focused therapy
• Military mental health charity
• Clinical veteran support

Headquarters

HQ city

Leatherhead

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Single and regular donations from individuals supporting veteran mental health services. Donations enable transformation of lives of former servicemen and women.
2. Legacy Gifts (Gifts in Wills): 1 in 5 veterans supported by gifts in Wills. Major source of funding allowing strategic planning for future veterans.
3. Combat Stress Lottery: Weekly lottery at £1/week with prizes up to £10,000. Minimum 50p of every £1 from entries goes to Combat Stress. In 2025 received £204,944 in ticket sales.
4. Corporate Partnerships: Partnerships with corporations including BAE Systems, Pall-Ex, KBR, Unum, Veolia for fundraising, events, and employee engagement.
5. Trust and Foundation Grants: Grants from charitable trusts and foundations, livery companies, and national funding bodies for core services and specific projects.
6. Government Funding: Funding from Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (£90,000 for Stronger Together programme), Office for Veterans' Affairs (ENHANCE+ project).
7. Commercial Partner Sales: Percentage of sales donated by commercial partners including Black Alpha Whiskey, Corgi Hosiery, Honour & Craft beer, Knights Sportswear, and others.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Combat Stress is the UK's leading veterans' mental health charity, providing specialist clinical treatment and support to UK Armed Forces veterans with PTSD, Complex-PTSD and moral injury. Its service portfolio includes a 24/7 helpline, enhanced stabilisation and trauma-focused therapy, the VICTOR online intensive treatment programme, veteran-led peer support, family support (Together and Stronger Together programmes), self-help online resources, the Combat Stress Learning training platform, and a Research Department co-located with King's College London. All services are delivered free of charge to eligible UK veterans in-person at regional hubs and online across the UK.

Product overview

Combat Stress is the UK's leading veterans' mental health charity offering a comprehensive suite of services for veterans with complex mental health conditions including PTSD, Complex-PTSD, and moral injury. The organisation operates a 24-hour Helpline as the entry point, supported by specialist Treatment Programmes (enhanced stabilisation, trauma-focused therapy, and the award-winning VICTOR online intensive programme), Self-Help Online resources, Peer Support Service, Family Support services (including the Together Programme), and the Combat Stress Learning training platform. The organisation also operates a National Veterans Forum for co-production and maintains a dedicated Research Department. Additional services include a lottery programme for fundraising. All services are free of charge to veterans and are delivered both in-person at regional hubs and online across the UK.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• VICTOR: Award-winning online intensive treatment programme allowing veterans to complete trauma-focused therapy in as little as two weeks.

Products and services

• 24-Hour Helpline A 24-hour mental health helpline available 365 days a year providing confidential advice and support to UK veterans and their families. Accessible by phone (0800 138 1619), SMS (07537 173683) and email ([email protected]), it serves as the first point of contact for accessing all Combat Stress services.
• Treatment Programmes (Enhanced Stabilisation and Trauma-Focused Therapy) Specialist clinical treatment for UK Armed Forces veterans with PTSD, Complex-PTSD and moral injury, including enhanced stabilisation and evidence-based trauma-focused therapy delivered by psychologists and accredited psychotherapists, with treatment typically beginning within 8 weeks of referral. Delivered in-person at regional hubs and online across the UK.
• VICTOR Online Intensive Treatment Programme Award-winning online intensive treatment programme that allows veterans to complete trauma-focused therapy in as little as two weeks. Sub-brand of Combat Stress Treatment Programmes.
• Self-Help Online Online self-guided resources developed by Combat Stress clinical experts providing guidance for former military personnel experiencing PTSD, anxiety, depression, anger, grief, alcohol and substance misuse.
• Peer Support Service Veteran-led peer support service bringing former servicemen and women together to share experiences and provide mutual understanding. All Peer Support Coordinators are veterans who have received treatment from Combat Stress.
• Family Support (Together Programme, Stronger Together, Family Assessment) Comprehensive support for families of veterans, including the Together Programme, Stronger Together programme (funded by Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust), Family Assessment, online self-guided support and dedicated family support workers.
• Combat Stress Learning Military-focused mental health training platform providing evidence-based, trauma-informed expertise to professionals, employers, partners and carers who work with, employ or support veterans. Includes free professional education courses on women veterans and military sexual trauma.
• National Veterans Forum Co-production forum bringing together Combat Stress staff, veterans and sector professionals to co-produce elements of Combat Stress services and give veterans a voice in service development.
• Research Department (Combat Stress Research) Established research department co-located at King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, conducting studies on veteran mental health, treatment effectiveness, women veterans and future needs. Has produced 150+ research papers.
• Combat Stress Lottery Weekly lottery programme offering chances to win up to £10,000 for £1 per week, with a minimum of 50p of every £1 from entries going to Combat Stress. Licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission (account number 44937). Generated £204,944 in ticket sales in 2025.

Quantifiable outcome

• 70% of those who undertake treatment recover from PTSD (no longer meet clinical criteria)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• RAND EuropecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 May 2026Collaborated on Future Scenarios for Mental Health in the Armed Forces Community report exploring how mental health needs could shift over 20 years. RAND Europe led the structured scenario-planning methodology.
• King's College LondoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch department co-located within King's Centre for Military Health Research. Strong national and international research collaboration on military mental health.
• Women's Royal Army Corps AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with Combat Stress to recruit 750 women veterans for research studies to understand experiences and challenges faced by women service personnel and veterans.
• BAE SystemsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner supporting Combat Stress through donations and employee engagement.
• Pall-Ex GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner with Kevin Buchanan as CEO who has led fundraising efforts, donating over £50,000 and winning Corporate Fundraising Group of the Year Award 2021.
• KBRminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner supporting Combat Stress through donations and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
• UnumminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner supporting Combat Stress through workplace giving and employee engagement.
• VeoliaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner supporting Combat Stress through donations and fundraising initiatives.
• Black Alpha Irish WhiskeyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVeteran-owned brand donating £1 from each bottle sale to Combat Stress.
• Honour & CraftminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCraft beer company donating a portion of every sale to Combat Stress.
• Corgi HosieryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLuxury sock maker donating 10% of Combat Stress collaboration sales to the charity.
• The Forces LotterycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAdministered by Sterling Management Centre Limited, the weekly lottery where Combat Stress receives minimum 50p of every £1 from entries. Licensed and regulated by Gambling Commission.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• PTSD UK: Direct peer: UK charity dedicated specifically to PTSD awareness, treatment access, and support, with similar condition-specific positioning, donation funding, and online resource portal comparable to Combat Stress's self-help platform.
• SSAFA: Direct peer: long-established UK Armed Forces charity providing practical, emotional, and mental health support to serving personnel, veterans, and families, with a comparable helpline, regional network, and donation-based funding model.
• Help for Heroes: Direct peer: another large UK charity supporting wounded, injured, and sick UK service personnel and veterans, including a rehabilitation and mental health programme portfolio funded largely through donations and corporate partnerships.
• Royal British Legion: Direct peer: the UK's largest armed forces charity, providing welfare, mental health (including Combat Stress grants), and community support to serving personnel, veterans, and their families across the UK.
• Walking With The Wounded: Direct peer: UK charity delivering mental health and employment support to veterans, with comparable focus on complex cases and a partner-clinic delivery model funded by donations and corporate partners.

Others

• Veterans' Foundation: Adjacent ecosystem participant: UK charity funding smaller veterans' mental health and welfare organisations (and a former Combat Stress supporter model), sitting in the same donation-funded grant ecosystem that supports Combat Stress's partners.
• Forces in Mind Trust: Adjacent ecosystem participant: grant-making trust funding research and policy across the UK Armed Forces community — comparable because it co-funds Combat Stress research (Future Scenarios report) and shapes the wider commissioning context.

Broad incumbents

• Mind (UK): Broad incumbent: the UK's largest mental health charity operating a comparable helpline, local network, and information/peer-support model, but covering the whole population rather than specialist veterans' trauma.
• Op COURAGE (NHS Veterans' Mental Health Services): Broad incumbent: the NHS-commissioned veterans' mental health pathway across England that complements (and partially overlaps with) Combat Stress, providing the regional referral pipeline into specialist services.

Emerging players

• Togetherall: Emerging player: a digitally delivered, anonymous peer-support mental health service used by universities, employers, and health systems — overlapping with Combat Stress's online self-help and peer-support offerings through a different (purely digital) delivery model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CombatStress
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/CombatStressCharity
• Facebookfacebook.com/CombatStress
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/combat-stress
• Instagraminstagram.com/combatstress
• TikToktiktok.com/@combatstress

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Combat Stress