TWO veterans who learned woodworking while recovering from trauma have been passing on their skills.

Bob Taylor, 55, has led the training at Next Steps Mental Health Resource Centre, in Norton, assisted by fellow veteran Ted Granger. Both were helped by Help for Heroes after being diagnosed with PTSD after leaving the forces.

The pair led the courses in Norton and the satellite centres at Kirkbymoorside and Pickering, with attendees making objects like bird tables and tool boxes.

Until Mr Taylor received support at the Help for Heroes recovery centre in Catterick, he had not done woodwork since school.

He said: “It was a huge jump for me to leave the familiar surroundings of the woodwork shop and my fellow veterans who know and understand me, and go to strange surroundings with people I had never met before.

“I was very anxious before each session and it was a constant battle for me to not take the easiest way out and to walk out. But once I arrived and met the people, I was alright. And it’s been good getting to know the ladies and having banter with them, as well as seeing their enthusiasm and sense of achievement.”

Alan Evans, chairman of Next Steps in Ryedale, said: “At Next Steps we support people with mental health issues and those that are isolated and lonely.

“Initiatives such as this one, funded by Activ8 Learning, help to build up their self-esteem and confidence by both creating items and by working with other people.

“The fact that it was delivered by veterans who themselves have mental illnesses and who have benefited so much from learning new skills – in this case, woodcraft – made the course so much more meaningful and has contributed to the well-being of those who took part.”

Diane Kent, 73, from Norton, made a tool box and a bird box in the four weeks.

She said: “It has been interesting: something different. It got me out of the house. Sawing was difficult but I managed, as long as I took rests when I got tired.

“I don’t think my husband, John, will let me near his tools, but when he sees what I have made, you never know.”