Created by Loughborough University and the Royal Air Forces Association, the programme offers short residential stays for groups of former military personnel, with activities specifically designed to enhance their mental wellbeing.
Funding by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust means six new Veterans’ Resilience Programmes can take place at the campus over the next two years, with the first being held on September 7 and 8, 2024.
Former members of all three military services – the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force – can apply to attend. Activities that participants will take part in include social resilience workshops, sessions on improving sleep quality, healthy eating and mindfulness workshops, and team-based physical activity such as wheelchair basketball.
The University first ran the Veterans’ Resilience Programme in 2022 and attendees praised the course. When asked for feedback, one veteran said ‘This programme sets the standard for how veterans struggling with their mental health and wellbeing should be helped. You gave me a safe space to work through some incredibly difficult thoughts, whilst also providing practical education in how to get and keep myself well going forward’.
Another said ‘This has now provided the light I needed and a compass of where I want to go and how to get there. I cannot thank you enough for all you have allowed me to achieve’.
Dr Jamie Barker, from the University’s School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, is one of the creators of the programme. He said: “Many military veterans struggle with their mental health and wellbeing, which leaves them isolated and makes it difficult for them to move on with their lives. From our previous residentials we know our programme has the ability to transform lives, and we look forward to supporting even more veterans on their road to recovery.
“I would urge any veteran who feels they need some support and help with their mental wellbeing to apply.”
Laura Holding, Head of Research and Evaluation at the RAF Association, said: “We know many veterans struggle with their mental health, which is often compounded by the fact that veterans are less likely to reach out for help, compared with those without a military background.
“This programme provides a safe environment where individuals can participate in wellbeing activities alongside fellow veterans who have a shared experience. The programme has been transformational for previous participants, and we are delighted that even more veterans will be able to benefit from it.”
Find out more about the Veterans’ Resilience Programme and how to apply.