Colonel Tony Gauvain (retired), the founder of the armed forces mental health charity and Cobseo member PTSD Resolution – with over 3,600 veterans helped since 2009 – has been chosen as one of the nation’s Coronation Champions.
Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort have recognised Tony Gauvain as an outstanding volunteer for the official Coronation celebrations in conjunction with The Royal Voluntary Service.
Tony Gauvain impressed judges with how, in an unpaid and entirely voluntary capacity, he set up PTSD Resolution in 2009 with fellow Human Givens therapist colleague Piers Bishop to build a nationwide mental health therapy network to help UK armed forces veterans, reservists and their families resolve military trauma. The service is delivered free of charge through charitable donations.
Under Tony’s stewardship, the charity is now a major force for good in resolving mental health problems that can result in depression, family breakdown and too often even suicide. His team at the charity has helped some 3.600 veterans and family members through a network of 200 therapists, qualified in Human Givens Therapy.
PTSD Resolution helps all veterans, including those who are in prison or have addiction issues, says Tony Gauvain.
The charity joined Cobseo, the Confederation of Service Charities, in 2018; The Contact Group, a collaboration of organisations working to improve mental health support to the UK armed forces community, in 2020; and then the Royal College of Psychiatrists awarded certification to its Quality Network for Veterans Mental Health Services in 2022, marking three milestones in PTSD Resolution’s path to official recognition.
Tony Gauvain has just stepped down from his role as CEO of the charity and retains the chairmanship. Both Tony and Charles Highett, the new CEO, served in The Cheshire Regiment, the latter with a short service commission.
With the support of Her Majesty The Queen Consort, a passionate advocate of volunteering and President of Royal Voluntary Service, the Coronation Champions Awards were launched to recognise exceptional volunteers from across the country at this momentous point in history. Across the UK, 500 Champions dazzled the judging panel with the impact of their work, their inspirational stories and their unwavering commitment to volunteering.
Tony Gauvain and other Coronation Champions have been invited to attend one of the official Coronation celebrations, such as the Windsor Castle Coronation Concert or a Coronation Garden Party. They will also receive a specially designed, official Coronation Champions pin and a certificate signed by Their Majesties.
Tony Gauvain says:
“It’s an honour to be named a Coronation Champion. At PTSD Resolution we have all worked tirelessly to support the mental health of our veterans, reservists and their families.
“There is still much to be done and so many people who need our help, those who have given so much for our country, and we hope that people will support our work further. We are probably unique in our lean structure as a charity; we pay no salaries and own no assets; donations are used to help our clients.”
