Registered
- Charity no. 110666
- Date registered. 31/10/2025
Public benefits
Connect to Protect (CTP) provides direct benefits through structured peer support programmes, recovery planning, and mental health interventions for UK military veterans and their families. These benefits include improved mental health and wellbeing, reduced isolation, increased access to community support, and enhanced quality of life. Veterans
are empowered to build resilience, maintain recovery, and engage in meaningful social and occupational roles. In addition, CTP educates NHS professionals and related services on how to effectively understand and respond to the specific mental health needs of veterans as they present. This includes raising awareness of the wide range of veteran-specific resources, networks, and support services that are available, helping NHS staff to make appropriate referrals and build connections across sectors. As a result, NHS services become more responsive, better informed, and achieve better value for money through reduced misdirected interventions and improved health outcomes. All support is evidence-informed and delivered by trained facilitators with lived experience or clinical backgrounds. Attendance records and feedback from veteran peer support groups held across Northern Ireland. Qualitative feedback from participants and referrers, including written testimonials, session evaluations, and case summaries. Partnership feedback from professionals (e.g.Veterans' Commissioner’s Office, NHS teams) who have referred clients or collaborated with CTP. Programme outcomes, including reduced isolation, increased community engagement, and improved mental wellbeing, as reported by veterans. Tracking service uptake and referral numbers, showing growing demand and reach of the service. Ongoing governance and trustee oversight, including formal reviews of activities and impact at quarterly meetings. None. We have actively looked at any possibility of harm and there is no harm arising from any of the purposes of Connect to Protect (CTP). All activities are delivered with safeguarding, clinical oversight, and ethical guidance in mind. Where sensitive issues are discussed (e.g. trauma or mental health), facilitators are trained to provide appropriate support and signposting to professional services if needed. Any potential emotional discomfort is minimal, short-term, and significantly outweighed by the long-term benefits to participants’ wellbeing. The primary beneficiaries of Connect to Protect (CTP) are UK military veterans, including those from Northern Ireland, and their families. They will benefit through access to tailored mental health and wellbeing support, including peer-led recovery programmes, group support, one-to-one guidance, and help navigating services. This support helps reduce isolation, improve mental health, and foster personal resilience. Secondary beneficiaries include NHS professionals and related services, who will benefit from education and awareness-raising on veteran-specific mental health needs. This helps them deliver more appropriate, effective care and connect with veteran-led community resources, ultimately improving outcomes for veterans and their families. The wider community also benefits through reduced pressure on statutory services, improved reintegration of veterans into society, and the positive impact of healthier, more connected individuals. Yes – but it is incidental and necessary. Connect to Protect (CTP) may provide modest private benefit in the form of fees or expenses paid to session facilitators, trainers, or consultants who deliver veteran support programmes or education sessions to professionals. These individuals may include staff or trustees with relevant expertise. Any private benefit is strictly incidental to carrying out the charity’s purposes and is necessary to ensure services are delivered effectively and to a high standard. No individual receives private benefit beyond what is reasonable and authorised under charity regulations.
What your organisation does
Connect To Protect (CTP) supports UK military veterans in Northern Ireland who are experiencing mental health difficulties. The organisation delivers peer-led support groups, mental health education, and wellbeing initiatives tailored to the unique needs of veterans. CTP also provides structured recovery programmes, facilitates access to specialist
services, and works to reduce stigma around psychological trauma and related issues. Activities take place in community venues, prisons, and outreach settings across the region, helping veterans reconnect with purpose, community, and a sense of belonging. In addition, CTP engages in educational outreach with NHS and statutory mental health practitioners, raising awareness of military culture and the psychological impact of service life, to improve understanding and outcomes for veteran patients.
The charity’s classifications
- The advancement of health or the saving of lives
Who the charity helps
- General public
- General public
How the charity works
- Advice/advocacy/information
- Community development