Wearside business supports ex-service personnel
Former soldiers have set up a business on Wearside aimed at helping ex-service personnel with mental health problems.
The Military Mental Health company was founded by veterans Gary Cameron from Sunderland and Richard Williams from Rochdale, Lancashire.
In addition to counselling services, they will run employment and housing workshops at their base in the Argent Business Centre, Sunderland.
The government has contributed £20,000 towards the project.
Both Mr Cameron and Mr Williams experienced depression and post-traumatic stress after serving with the Royal Army Medical Core in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Iraq, in the 1980s.
Mr Cameron, 44, said: "I went through alcohol problems when I came back from Northern Ireland. I drank too much, I was very angry.
"It's the guilt feeling that you've survived something. Some of your friends may have been killed or injured and you feel guilty. It's that guilt you can't deal with.
"Our organisation looks to help people who're going through similar problems."
In addition to psychological support, the centre staff will advise ex-service personnel on benefits, housing, employment and training.