Hauliers need to care more
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for ex-soldiers, says ministry By Chris Tindall
A FAITH-based ministry offering counselling to LGV drivers with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) said that hauliers are not doing enough to ensure ex-service personnel are being properly cared for. Chris Newport, an ordained minister, said there still is not enough knowledge in the industry about PTSD, despite many ex-service personnel turning to haulage for
employment when they leave the armed forces.
Newport's organisation, dubbed a 'truck ministry' and called On Glory Road, helps drivers suffering anything from depression to marriage break-ups.
However, he said drivers are being disciplined and losing their jobs because their employer does not understand there are deeper problems.
"Employers have a duty of care over their drivers, and I feel a lot of them don't exercise that and don't realise they have been in a conflict situation," he said.
"It can manifest itself in bouts of anger. It wouldn't hurt them to ask 'how are you?' or 'what's happening in their life?" An ex-Royal Marine and trained sniper, who asked only to be referred to as Karl, said Newport saved his life after he
contemplated suicide.
Karl served in the first Gulf War before taking a job as an LGV driver, but was haunted by his experience in the conflict. "At the time, I was in a really bad place," he said.
"The main thing I can say is, if you are going through a bad time, don't suffer on your own; talk to someone, like I did.
"I now consider Newport a best mate and I can talk to him about anything."