Jobs are at risk at Combat Stress facility in Newport

It is thought that at least some of the redundancies will be at Combat Stress’s treatment facility in Newport.

The job losses are part of a five-year restructuring plan which, the charity said, would “offer greater flexibility and accessibility to treatment so veterans can be supported more quickly”.

Documents filed with the Charity Commission showed that Combat Stress had a deficit of £3.6m in the financial year ending March 31, 2016, generating £13m and spending £16.6m.

Combat Stress’s chief executive Sue Freeth said: “The new strategy proposes that services delivered at our Shropshire treatment centre, Audley Court, will change. Audley Court will remain an important hub for the services we deliver to veterans across Wales and the Midlands, whilst playing a vital new role in shaping the development of our future treatment programmes so we can best serve the veterans who need us.“The changes to treatments delivered at Audley Court will mean some employees are at risk of redundancy. We launched a consultation with those affected on September 19 and will announce a final decision later in the year.”

“We have always been exceptionally thankful and humbled by the strength of support for our work in the local community around Audley Court. As demand increases, our work has become more important than ever. We hope the local community will continue to support us and our employees at Audley Court as the centre transitions to its vital new role at the heart of the charity’s services.”

Ms Freeth said that the changes would be in the best interests of veterans.

“Every part of our new strategy is focused on improving the recovery experience for veterans with mental health issues,” she said.

“These changes will mean we can support a greater number of veterans, more quickly and more flexibly. We will be more responsive to veterans’ needs, particularly those with family or work commitments, and will provide a more joined-up recovery experience.”

Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard said he would do all he could to support the charity, adding: “Combat Stress provides first class care throughout the country, but particularly at their residential unit in Newport, which I have visited many times.”

“I hope the charity’s own consultation will lead to the same conclusion, and they decide to keep the unit open. That is what I will be asking them to do.”

The news comes just days after veterans criticised the charity for spending an alleged £45,000 on redesigning its logo. They accused it of spending £45,000 – money they said would have been better spent elsewhere.