“I cannot thank Veterans Outdoors enough for what they have done for me, they literally saved my life” says Debbie, an RAF veteran who was struggling to cope day-to-day after going through a marriage breakdown, to setting up a new home from scratch, followed by serious ill health and recovery all in a relatively short period of time.
Thanks to funding from the Veterans Foundation our welfare team was able to put together a programme of events to help Debbie rebuild her confidence and get her life back together.
Debbie enjoys gardening, so after attending our online mindfulness programme, she felt able to join our group outdoor programmes. She helped to create award winning community gardens and havens for wildlife in Buckfastleigh and Beaumont Park, Plymouth and, with a love of horses, she also attended our equine therapy programme, as well as taking part in various Project Artemis events a programme of events for female veterans.
She has gone on to gain GCSE’s in English and Maths and Construction Skills Certificates and, along with other veterans, she is now building her own home with the Stirling Project – Veterans’ Self-build scheme, a partnership between Plymouth City Council, Live West and Alabare Christian Care and Support.