Bluerydge Supports Voices of Veterans in Raising PTSD Awareness

Bluerydge Supports Voices of Veterans in Its Mission to Raise PTSD Awareness

As a veteran-founded and owned company with a team that is 70% veterans, Bluerydge is deeply committed to initiatives that champion veteran health and wellbeing. We are proud to support Voices of Veterans, a project created by artist and former Australian Army officer Mike Armstrong, which aims to raise awareness about PTSD and mental health within the veteran community.

What is Voices of Veterans?

Voices of Veterans is a unique photographic art initiative designed to give a visual representation to the struggles of veterans living with PTSD. The exhibition, held at the National Press Club in Canberra from 18 May to 19 June 2022, serves as both an artistic statement and a mental health conversation starter.

The project uses a raw, symbolic process involving molasses, which visually and emotionally represents the burden, weight, and isolation of PTSD. According to Mike Armstrong, the molasses metaphorically encapsulates the experience of trauma:

“Molasses is a good metaphor for living with PTSD. It’s sticky, it’s heavy, it drags you down. It changes the shape of the form that lies beneath it.”

The subjects of the project go through a deeply personal cleansing ceremony, washing away the physical and emotional weight of trauma, symbolizing renewal and healing.

A Veteran-Led Conversation on Mental Health

For many veterans, PTSD is an invisible battle that persists long after their service ends. Veteran Mick Cook, who participated in the project, described how the process resonated with his own experience:

"The sticky mess, sometimes hidden under the uniform, permeates everything and will remain with you unless you can cleanse yourself of the burden. Even after you remove most of it, you will find a remnant—it remains a part of you."

The Voices of Veterans project serves as more than an art exhibit—it is a call to action. It provides veterans with a platform to share their experiences, engage in art therapy workshops, and build stronger support networks.

Why This Matters

Despite the availability of mental health services for veterans, many struggle to seek help, navigate resources, or even acknowledge their own challenges.

“Most veterans don’t know how to ask for help or won’t ask for help,” said Mike Armstrong.
“Maybe that’s the missing component—we don’t need more healthcare providers. We need a community that encourages veterans to seek support.”

This sentiment highlights a broader issue: mental health stigma prevents people from speaking up. By fostering conversations through art, Voices of Veterans breaks down these barriers and creates a safe space for healing.

Bluerydge’s Commitment to Veteran Wellbeing

Bluerydge is built on the principles of service, resilience, and mission-first leadership. We recognize that mental health is just as critical as physical readiness, and we actively support initiatives that improve the lives of veterans and their families.

Our support for Voices of Veterans aligns with our broader commitment to:
✔ Championing veteran mental health and PTSD awareness
✔ Supporting programs that foster resilience and healing
✔ Encouraging open conversations about mental health

Through this initiative, we hope to continue advocating for veterans, ensuring they have both the community and the resources needed to thrive beyond military service.

Looking Forward

The Voices of Veterans exhibition is an opportunity for the public to engage, learn, and support the mental wellbeing of those who have served.

🔹 Exhibition Dates: 18 May – 19 June 2022, National Press Club, Canberra
🔹 Opening Night Event: 18 May (Tickets Available)
🔹 Entry by Donation – All proceeds go to the Voices of Veterans Fund, supporting veteran-led community programs.

For more information, visit www.voicesofveterans.com.au.

Bluerydge remains committed to supporting veterans, their mental health, and the broader conversation around PTSD. We encourage everyone to engage, donate, and help make a difference.

Because no one should carry the weight of trauma alone.