By Tomas Keating / Western People

A Veteran Support Officer (VSO) in an Irish Defence Forces charity has said there is a rise in alcoholism and post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD) among veterans in Ireland.

Longford native Steven Shields is a VSO with Irish Defence Forces’ charity ONE – Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (or the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel), which is a registered Irish charity offering housing and support for Defence Forces’ veterans with the ultimate goal of accessing permanent accommodation, improving mental health, and preventing future homelessness.

Steven is a trained mediator and stress management facilitator, with extensive experience in trauma and physical, mental, emotional, and sexual abuse. He also works in parenting and is a Parenting Under Pressure therapist and supervisor. He is dedicated to providing confidential advocacy and/or counselling face-to-face/phone service to all veterans of the Defence Forces. Steven has an Honours Degree in Counselling and Addiction and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Supervision.

A veteran himself, Steven is one of three VSOs for ONE in Ireland, and his focus is on the East, Midlands, West, and Northwest regions. He spends much of his time on the road, holding monthly meetings with upwards of 40 veterans, seven of which are in Co Mayo, supporting them in their transition back to civilian life and helping them overcome the challenges they face. Addiction, homelessness and relationship breakdowns are some of the common issues he encounters daily.

Read the full article here: https://westernpeople.ie/2023/07/07/our-veterans-have-made-the-ultimate-sacrifice/

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