Veterans from Hadleigh and Frinton-on-Sea on mission to help those struggling with PTSD launch coffee company, Beat the Demon

Two veterans who launched a coffee company are on a mission to build a supportive community for people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Darren Woods and Scott Bunfield, aged 41 and 38, launched Beat the Demon in the hope of creating a space for conversation and raising awareness of PTSD

“We want to create a safe space for veterans and others with PTSD,” said Darren, of Hadleigh.

“We’ve both witnessed a lot of serving soldiers and veterans suffer in silence and unfortunately some guys that we’ve known have taken their own lives.

“We want to encourage them to open up and start that healing process."

Darren and Scott, of Frinton-on-Sea, first met in the early 2000s while serving in the Parachute Regiment (Paras).

Although they were not close, their paths crossed frequently during their years of service, including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Scott was medically discharged in 2018 after being diagnosed with PTSD, and Darren left the following year, feeling that his military career had naturally run its course.

The two became good friends after they realised they both worked for Gasway – a central heating firm that is part of Flagship Group – and quickly formed a strong bond.

Despite finding a new career, Scott continued to struggle with PTSD, saying he felt he was ‘bounced between therapists’, while doctors tried different medications to manage his overwhelming anger and constant need for adrenaline.

"I felt completely lost,” said Scott. “The support wasn’t there.

“PTSD doesn’t go away when you take the uniform off, but it felt like I was expected to just get on with it.

“It was Darren who really helped me. He listened, he understood, and that made all the difference.”

After brainstorming what they could do to help others, they realised coffee was the answer.

They said PTSD doesn’t just affect people in the military, but can impact anyone who has experienced trauma, including emergency service workers, NHS staff and family members.

The two said they launched Beat the Demon as coffee is part of many people’s routines and can help start conversations.

Darren said: “It’s social, it’s comforting. It’s a reason to sit down with someone and talk.

“We thought, if we can use something as simple as a cup of coffee to start those conversations, then we’re making a difference."

The brand sells coffee and merchandise, including hoodies and t-shirts, both online and at occasional markets, including Bury St Edmunds.

But the focus is on creating online communities across social media and WhatsApp where people struggling can connect and support each other.

To find out more, visit www.beatthedemon.co.uk

Darren added: “Our long-term goal is to support therapy, group activities, and adventure-based recovery programmes for those that need them most.

“We know we’re not going to change the world overnight. But if just one person reaches out for help because of what we’re doing, then it’s worth it."