A VETERAN who struggled with mental health problems as a result of his experiences during his time in the military has embarked on a new venture which he hopes will help others like him.

Richard Westman, from Catterick Garrison, has recently left the Army after 14 years, and after numerous operational tours he felt the affect on his mental health.

But after discovering the therapeutic benefits of the great outdoors, Mr Westman is now set for a new career in arboriculture, called Land Based Warriors.

He said: "After my first tour of Iraq my mental health went downhill as I started feeling the affects of PTSD.

"Since leaving the infantry I thought I'd like a desk job but it turned out to make my mental health even worse – being tied to a desk all day was not good for me.

"As I started to go through the recovery process, I was supported really well in trying different things but it wasn't until I stumbled upon an arboriculture course that things started to change."

Mr Westman went on a course in Darlington run by Allarb Limited.

"The course was run by a veteran," said Mr Westman.

"Allarb run specific courses for people coming out of the military and the support from them has been enormous.

"He tailored the training to me, and even took me on for a while as he was impressed with my work ethic.

"But now my plan is to work for myself and in time take on other veterans struggling with their mental health."

Mr Westman said although he had received excellent support from the Army and recovery services, he knew of many others who were not able to engage successfully.

He said: "Veteran suicide is a growing problem. I have lost five friends to it, so I wanted to do something to be part of a solution.

"I want people suffering to know there is light at the end of the tunnel.

"This is the best I have been for more than 10 years but I'm in a much better place now and I want to be able to offer some support to veterans who are struggling or homeless to help them get back on their feet.

"I don't want people to feel the way I felt. I was in a very low place at one point.

"I didn't leave the house for months and my family suffered.

"Luckily my wife was my absolute rock, and our children's school was very supportive too – but I was open about needing help and not everyone feels able to do that at first."

He said he hopes to be able to take on veterans for short-term work experience and as employees as his business grows.

As well as tree surgery, Mr Westman will provide general garden management.

Visit www.landbasedwarriors.co.uk for information.