Combat Stress HELPLINE: 0800 138 1619 SKIP TO NAVIGATION You are here: COMBAT STRESS CALLS ON THE PUBLIC TO SWITCH TO SILENT FIREWORKS breadcrumb navigation: HOME / CURRENT PAGE COMBAT STRESS CALLS ON THE PUBLIC TO SWITCH TO SILENT FIREWORKS Latest Stories With fireworks now on sale for Bonfire Night, we're asking the public to buy silent fireworks instead of noisy ones. Many former servicemen and women with mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder experience distress at this time of year with the sudden flashes and bangs of fireworks reminding them of the horrors of war. Public displays are returning this year after they were cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19. As these events are advertised, veterans can prepare for the sights and sounds of fireworks. However, many people are still expected to set off fireworks in their garden and it’s these unexpected displays, which happen with no warning, that can have a significant impact on veterans with mental health problems living close by. Fireworks are on sale to the public from 15 October to 10 November, so veterans face a challenging time having to contend with the distress caused by the fireworks and the grief of mourning fallen comrades at Armistice. Professor Catherine Kinane, Medical Director at Combat Stress, said: “We see a higher rate of distress in veterans accessing our services at this time of year. Not only is this time of year challenging because of the grief surrounding Armistice, but the sound and sudden unexpected bangs of fireworks can be reminders of frontline combat where they were exposed to the horrors of war in service to this country. “Firework displays bring people together and create a lot of joy for spectators. We don’t want to ruin anyone’s fun but we urge the public to understand how distressing noisy fireworks can be for military veterans.” Tips advising veterans on how to cope with fireworks are available on our website here. WHERE CAN I BUY OR WATCH SILENT FIREWORKS To help the public to support veterans through purchasing silent fireworks, or to attend silent firework displays, we have created a list of silent firework sellers or displays that we are aware of. If you would like to add your display to the list, or are aware of other places where silent fireworks can be purchased or watched on display, please let us know by tweeting us @CombatStress Silent Fireworks - Sellers: Dynamic Fireworks Fireworks Kingdom Silent Fireworks - Displays The Metro has an extensive list of Silent Firework Displays, take a look to find the closest one to you. Read the article here. Site Navigation SELF-HELP ONLINE GET HELP SUPPORT US DONATE Utility Nav About us Careers Contact Research Shop Veteran Stories SITE SEARCH ENTER YOUR KEYWORDS FACEBOOK TWITTER Simple site map GET HELP How we can help Helpline SUPPORT US Get involved Resources Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions ABOUT US Media Centre Working for us Our blog CONNECT WITH US SIGN UP Join the conversation Connect with us FACEBOOK LINKEDIN TWITTER INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE SMALL PRINT COMPANY REGISTRATION DETAILS © 2021 Combat Stress. All Rights Reserved. Combat Stress, Company Registered in England & Wales No 256353. Charity Registration No 206002 (SC038828 in Scotland). Registered Office: COMBAT Stress, Tyrwhitt House, Oaklawn Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 0BX MEMBERS OF: Veteran's gateway fundraising regulator Confederation of services charities Armed force's covenant Cookies on this website We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. By continuing to use our site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Read our updated Privacy and Cookies policy for further information. dismiss