THE man behind an initiative to help people living with PTSD has joined forces with a charity to get his idea afloat.
Simon Collyer, from Colchester, founded Sailing Wellness which helps sufferers to alleviate their symptoms by getting on the water via the use of radio-controlled boats.
“The great benefit of sailing with RC boats is participants are kept onshore. On the water, it is more likely PTSD sufferers may experience anxiety attacks due to sudden noise or movements,” said Mr Collyer.
He continued: “The Sailing Wellness project aims to break the cycle of rumination in PTSD and other conditions, where people go over and over what went wrong in a continuous loop.
“It gets participants out of the house, mixing with others, and helps them to feel life has not ended, despite major setbacks.”
Mr Collyer has now revealed he has teamed up with charity International Stress Management Association UK to further boost his brainchild.
He added: “I am delighted to have the support of ISMAUK as their involvement will enable Sailing Wellness to access a wide network of mental health professionals and wellness counsellors.
“I have every confidence that teaching sailing to those with mental health issues can only be of lasting benefit.”
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