A PILOT scheme to tackle post-traumatic stress in ex-military personnel in West Devon is among several projects to benefit from the National Lottery Awards for All programme.

The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Association in Tavistock has been awarded £9,840 to run a pilot scheme to help ex-military and ex-uniformed personnel who are suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from serving in warzones in recent years.

The group will help to reduce trauma through therapeutic activities involving family and friends, run as part of the Stresscare Self Empowerment Programme.

Caroline Keane, co-ordinator of the Stresscare Self Empowerment Programme, said: 'Stresscare's carefully designed programme empowers the sufferer to fully participate in and contribute to their chosen lifestyles, education, employment, families, relationships and their communities as well as reducing their dependency on long-term medication.

'The programme is a holistic mix of proven therapeutic interventions such as art therapy, solution-focused group work, neuro-linguistic programming, meditation and homeopathy. Family and affected others are encouraged to participate in the programme.'

Mark Cotton, Big Lottery Fund's head of region for the South West, said: 'Awards for All offers small grants which make a big impact on the lives of people most in need. I am delighted that National Lottery funding is supporting groups which are enabling people to overcome their difficulties.'

The Awards for All programme offers grants of between £300 and £10,000 to social and environmental projects that will benefit local communities and make a difference to the lives of those most in need.

Voluntary and community groups, schools, health organisations and parish and town councils can all apply. Visit http://www.awardsforall.org.uk">www.awardsforall.org.uk or phone 0845 4102030 for more information.