This is a new and exciting project for Veterans of the Armed Forces which would not have been possible without the AFCFT grant funding.
The Organisation will offer River Hunting with Mine Detectors and Magnets as a main low impact activity throughout various Rivers in Ireland where Battles have taken place over the Centuries, for 20 Veterans per month, over a one year period. The aim is to offer enjoyable group activities in a tranquil and calming environment for better mental and physical wellbeing amongst the Veteran Community.
The funding will allow Beyond the Battlefield to offer a wider pathway of care and support extending to physical and psychological assistance to the veterans community. This will help those experiencing PTSD and comorbidity issues. Therefore, reducing isolation, marginalisation, and loneliness suffered by veterans. These activities will focus on increasing engagement and integration in an outdoor therapeutic head space for veterans. Disability needs will be tended to as we have wheelchairs and equipment available. Our volunteers are trained in dealing with disabled veterans to maximise their experience in all events.
The project is people led as the veterans told us what they want and not we think they want.
The Organisation is led by engagement and staying connected to veterans and their families. We looked at how we can further work together to support Veterans to lead the way in low impact physical activity and feel good factor by forming an advisory group of six veterans with a connected skillset to offer the project successfully. Our veterans will also look at key issues to develop such as Health & Safety training and qualifications. Our veterans have much learning and skillset to pass on helping them stay connected and engage through outdoor activities helping each other. The most invested people in this project are the veterans themselves, encouraging better well being and mental health. The veterans tell us have been waiting on such a project for many years and thanks to The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust Beyond the Battlefield are now able to offer this timely and impressive venture. We feel this project will grow and evolve over many years to come. There has already been discussion from veterans to add on a diving school as a further activity. After the easter break there will be more information on this project.
