The All Stars Diving Foundation aims to assist (former) professional first responders such as law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics and employees of the army who have been diagnosed with a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or who suffer from other similar psychological complaints. The men and women who take action in situations from which citizens run away or can run away. Our first responders are heroes. But even heroes sometimes have a hard time.
Known figures from the Dutch police (PTSD in the police – A better picture 2012) show that after treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 60% still have residual complaints. Residual complaints such as concentration problems, nervousness, jumpy, sleeping problems, heart palpitations, tiredness and irritability.
The All Stars Diving Foundation focuses on this group. There are some good initiatives in the field of active therapy in the Netherlands. However, these are largely one-day activities. All Stars Diving is not focused on providing a fun outing, but is focused on providing an experience that has a positive impact on life.
The All Stars Diving Foundation is not a replacement for professional therapy, but can be an excellent addition or a handhold for when the therapy stops. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a constant struggle. Dive therapy is associated with building trust, creating new social connections and group support.
In short, this means an improvement in general health, personal well-being, social skills, general quality of life and an improved mental condition and reduction of psychological complaints.
Our goal is to assist (former) professional first responders such as law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics and employees of the army who have been diagnosed with a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or who suffer from other similar psychological complaints. We are aware that there are several sectors that fall under professional assistance, if you believe that you are (or have been) working as a professional first responders and you meet the criteria to participate in a program, you can of course you can always contact us. We can and will assess your application individually.
The All Stars Diving Foundation was founded on the initiative of Paul Knörr, a former police officer of the Dutch National Police, as a result of a long personal battle against post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that took a positive turn through diving. After a long period of reflection and a lot of research into similar initiatives in America (Ministry of Veterans), the conviction has emerged that diving therapy works, helps and is possible in the Netherlands and elsewhere in the world.
The mission of the All Stars Diving Foundation is aimed at creating a more positive self- and future image and giving hope to (former) professional first responders such as law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics and employees of the army who have been diagnosed with a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or who suffer from to other similar psychological complaints.
It was decided to set up a foundation because All Stars Diving has no profit motive. All Stars Diving is not about making money. All Stars Diving wants to offer (former) professional first responders such as law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics and employees of the army who have been diagnosed with a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or who suffer from other similar psychological complaints the opportunity to get acquainted with diving and the underwater world. These can be damaged first responders from the Netherlands, but also from abroad.
Because the foundation has no profit motive, the foundation is dependent on sponsorship. Sponsorship can be done in different ways. At the moment there are a few sponsors who have a warm heart for the All Stars Diving Foundation and we are of course grateful for that.
If you would like to sponsor as a person or as a company, please feel free to contact the secretary for any information. The foundation, students and future students will be very grateful!
As a former law enforcement officer in the Netherlands, I founded the foundation with the help of the board as a result of a long personal battle against post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I have found that scuba diving has a positive impact on people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). After doing research into similar initiatives in America (Ministry of Veterans), I became convinced that diving therapy works, helps and I want to make that possible with the foundation!
I am not a diver but as Paul’s father I have experienced his trajectory very intensively. When he came to me with the plan I was very excited about his plan. After having had the first conversation with the board members, this feeling was confirmed in me. For these reasons I have made myself available as a board member.
This volunteer has not yet provided any additional profile details. Our apologies for the inconvenience!
This volunteer has not yet provided any additional profile details. Our apologies for the inconvenience!
I myself am a former law enforcement officer from the Netherlands and, as Paul’s wife, I have experienced first-hand what post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can do to (former) professional rescue workers. I therefore support Paul’s initiative and have therefore decided to make my contributions to it. I am a Divemaster myself, in that capacity I support the instructors and besides that I am also a Mermaid Instructor.
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After hearing about the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from my colleagues Paul and Gül, I was very impressed. Therefore, I support Paul’s and Gül’s initiative! I’m proud to voluntarily as SSI Instructor and Mermaid Instructor within this organization.
I’m an electro service maintenance technician in the Netherlands and have diving as a hobby. In this capacity I see how much fun people have in it and relax, that does me good and especially the person himself. With diving I got to know Paul and Gül and also about PTSD my passion has become even greater. Now I see even better how good the influence of diving is on people with stress. And that’s why I support this with great pleasure.
I became a volunteer because of my passion for diving and I like to be there for my fellow man. What All Stars diving stands for is a great initiative that I fully support and like to contribute to. Let’s make bubbles together!
Are you an SSI Instructor and do you support the initiative of All Stars Diving. Are you willing to assist people within our target group to obtain their Open Water Diver certificate, please contact us!