Colin’s Story (2020)
Colin is a Scottish, gay veteran who served in the British Army when it was illegal to serve if homosexual. In this compelling narrative Colin describes a childhood of poverty and abuse, some of the challenges and adventures he experienced during his military service, his return to civilian life and eventually, life after coming out. He tells his story with great candour and often, great humour. You will laugh and you will cry as his adventures unfold.
Content warning: mentions of physical and sexual abuse, violence, suicidal ideation.
Nevertheless, if you are experiencing or have experienced these issues yourself, please think carefully as to whether or not you should listen to this episode. Please do not suffer alone. Please talk to someone. There are many people and organisations who can help you. Details of such organisations are provided below and can also be found on the Stand Easy website.
Introductions and information: Jade Anderson
Sound recordist: Jade Anderson
Producer: Sandie Jamieson
Listen here or on Audioboom.
Support Organisations
The following organisations provide information and support for the issues raised in Colin’s Story
NAPAC https://napac.org.uk/
NAPAC support adult survivors of child abuse
Childline www.childline.org.uk
Support line for children dealing with all kinds of issues including abuse.
Call 0800 1111
Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org/?nation=scotland
Call 116 123 anytime to speak to a Samaritan
Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) www.samh.org.uk
MIND – the mental health charity www.mind.org.uk
Fighting with Pridehttps://www.fightingwithpride.org.uk
Fighting With Pride supports the health and wellbeing of LGBT+Veterans, service personnel and their families – in particular those most impacted by the ban on LGBT+ personnel serving in the Armed Forces prior to January 2000.
Rock2Recovery https://rock2recovery.co.uk/
Rock2Recovery is a charity for veterans and their families that provides ‘rapid preventative interventions, specific coaching and assistance, including the provision of short and long-term refocusing support for veterans leaving the service with brain Injuries and mental health issues attributable to their period of service.’
Veterans First Point https://www.veteransfirstpoint.org.uk/
Veterans First Point is part of NHS Scotland and the Armed Forces Community Covenant. It provides free advice and support for anyone who has served in HM Armed Forces and their families, if they concerned about the wellbeing of the veteran in anyway.
Combat Stress https://www.combatstress.org.uk/
Combat Stress, is a charity for veterans’ mental health. They help former servicemen and women with mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. They provide specialist treatment and support for veterans from every service and conflict, focusing on those with complex mental health issues.
Cruse Bereavement Care https://www.cruse.org.uk/
Cruse Bereavement Care provides support after the death of someone close including face to face, telephone, group support, as well as bereavement support for children.
In Scotland phone 0845 600 2227
Rest of the UK 0808 808 1677
Hopeagain (Cruse for young people) https://www.hopeagain.org.uk/
Support for children and young people affected by the death of someone close.
Phone: 0808 808 1677 (Mon-Fri, 9:00am-5:00pm)
The Bereavement Trust
http://bereavement-trust.org.uk/index.html
The Bereavement Trust offers comfort, support and practical advice to the bereaved from 6pm until 10pm every evening of the year.Phone: 0800 435 455