Woodland support group looks to help more veterans
BBCA programme which supports former members of the armed forces and helps them adjust to civilian life has said it is always open to new members.
The project in the Lightmoor area of Telford, Shropshire, offers veterans the chance to learn new practical skills and preserve woodland, while allowing them to share experiences at the same time.
The group is funded by the Veterans Foundation and the woodlands programme is led by the Small Woods Association, with support from the Bournville Village Trust
It is based at a building known as Squatters Cottage where veterans "can enjoy and care for nature and in turn care for themselves," organisers said.
Gary Morris left the RAF in 2004 after 23 years' service and said it had been "a massive adjustment".
Leaving the armed forces could be difficult for a number of reasons and many just missed being part of a community with a shared sense of humour, he said.
The peaceful environment in the woods gave him time "to shut off all the bad stuff that's happening in the world that I don't want to know about anymore thank you very much".
Simon Cooper served for 10 years in the Royal Signals and said he suffered from a functional neurologic disorder.
The activities had given him back some of his mobility and strength, he added.
Both enjoyed "sitting around having a chat with the veterans".
Another veteran, Shaun Cleary, said it had taken him 10 years "to get back into civilian way of thinking and doing things".
He said he valued the group because he got to be with people who "have been through similar type of things.
"The military was one experience and coming back into civilian life is a completely different one".
The Bournville Village Trust said "the programme is particularly vital for veterans facing challenges with their mental health".
Bill Wells, who served in the Royal Logistics for nearly 10 years, agreed and said the programme "has given me a reason to get up every week, somewhere I feel I belong and a feeling of achievement while giving me the space I need when I need it".
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