Care Coordinator talks to BFBS about coming ‘full circle’

One-time beneficiary and now a member of Walking With The Wounded staff, Ryan Knight, discusses his journey and encourages others to be brave and ask for help.

“When a veteran is struggling and needs help, we’re here for them.” Ryan Knight is one of our front-line care coordinators, based in the London and south-east region. His role involves supporting ex-service personnel to manage complex challenges, improve their wellbeing and transform their lives. He recently shared his journey from military service to becoming the London and Home Counties Care Coordinator and using his experience to help others with presenter George Ryland on BFBS radio to mark Mental Health Day.

Ryan’s background means that he really understands some of these challenges having struggled himself on being discharged and being supported through our Head Start programme. Ryan was in the Royal Army Medical Corps and saw action in many countries around the world. Just a few weeks before his last posting ended, he was badly injured when the vehicle he was in hit an IED in Afghanistan. As well as the physical trauma, Ryan suffers from PTSD.

“I need to practice what I preach!” says Ryan “It took me quite a few years to reach out for help and this is why I’m so passionate about encouraging people to come forward. It is scary but the hardest step is that first step asking for help.”

In the interview, Ryan encourages any veteran that is struggling to approach us, at any time after leaving the Armed Forces, even years later.

He points out that everyone is different and for some, including himself, it can take a long time until you are in a position to take that first step: “If you are already considering you possibly need help, then you most likely do. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Reach out, talk, and if you are willing to receive support, you’ll get it.”