The investment by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust means six new residential programmes for former members of all three military services – the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force – can take place at the campus over the next two years.
For the programme small groups of veterans will visit Loughborough for a two-day stay, where they will take part in range of activities, including social resilience workshops, practical healthy cooking lessons, sessions on improving sleep quality and team-based physical activity such as wheelchair basketball, walking football and Pilates.
All the activities have been specifically designed to enhance the mental wellbeing of attendees.
The University first ran the Veterans’ Resilience Programme in 2022 and attendees praised the programme. When asked for feedback, one veteran said ‘This course 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: “I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to secure further funding for the programme.
“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.”
Rory O’Connor, Director of Welfare and Policy at the Royal Air Forces Association added: “We know how important exercise, sleep and diet are when it comes to good mental health. However, we also know that many veterans struggle with their mental health and often do not know where to turn. We are delighted that even more veterans can benefit from the programme thanks to this further funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.”
The Armed Forces Covenant Trust supports the Armed Forces Covenant by delivering funding programmes that support Armed Forces communities across the UK. The Loughborough scheme is being funded by the Trust’s Research and Supporting Armed Forces Communities programme.
Further information about the Veterans’ Resilience Programme can be found here: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/schools/sport-exercise-health-sciences/veteran-resilience/