Content warning// This interview contains discussions of sensitive topics such as PTSD, depression and suicidal thoughts which some viewers may find distressing. If you are affected by these topics, please consider seeking support from a trusted person or organisation.   German Uli met her partner Alex while he was working for the Professional Service Guard. He had previously served for almost 18 years with the Royal Logistics Corp and Uli knew bits and pieces about Alex’s time in Northern Ireland and Sierra Leone. In 2015 Uli noticed that Alex was becoming quieter and retreating into himself, he admitted that he was feeling depressed. Alex was diagnosed with PTDS. It was recommended that Alex join Band of Brothers for support and that Uli join Band of Sisters. She didn’t think she would need assistance herself but wanted to find out more about supporting someone through PTSD and depression. Uli is incredibly open about Alex’s symptoms of depression, anxiety, being hyper alert and burying his emotions. The more stories she heard from the Band of Sisters, she became incredibly grateful that Alex was never physically or verbally abusive. Alex’s treatment was slow and it took a very long time, and a great deal of pain to manage, before he was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia, or chronic pain syndrome. Thankfully, he had Uli to chase and advocate on his behalf but he now lives with extreme pain on a daily basis. Uli describes how she used to try and be superwoman for Alex but it all became too much. She worried so much about him, especially when he had suicidal thoughts. Uli sought help and was given medication and also undertook therapy with Hidden Wounds which she says was brilliant. The Band of Sisters has also been a terrific support. Not only is there always someone there who knows what you are going through, Uli has also been involved in numerous fundraising activities such as trekking in Cambodia. But Uli knows the road ahead is still difficult, she confesses she has had dark thoughts herself and only by opening up did she realise these were likely caused by her medication. She admits she never puts herself first and hopes that by sharing her and Alex’s story it will help others to reach out and find help.

During WWII, Pegeen was working for the Civil Defence in Bristol and volunteering for the Red Cross. She describes the shocking experience of living in Bristol during the Blitz and her voluntary work. She starts to become frustrated with the feeling of impotence at the Civil Defence and, when her older brother is killed in Italy, Pegeen is motivated to join the Red Cross full time and travels to France shortly before VE Day. Based out of Paris, Pegeen shares her memories of post war living conditions in France and offers her unique insights into the lives of non-military Brits captured under occupation. After France, Pegeen travels to Singapore and then Japan and Korea where she works in the Welfare Section assisting injured servicemen with anything from letter writing to shopping. In Korea, Pegeen was stationed at Freedom Village and was there for both Little Switch and Big Switch, she recalls the difference in the attitudes of the men returning and speculates that the first tranche may have been subjected to greater indoctrination making them seem more anti-British. Pegeen then had a brief posting in Accra where her eyes were opened to a new level of hardship, and then onto Cyprus where she found herself working worryingly close to the Cypriot/Turk conflict. Reflecting on her career with the Red Cross, despite the challenges and hardships, Pegeen is happy to have contributed and to have helped people.