Supporting spouses and partners too
Charly self-referred to Veterans Outdoors after hearing about us from a military welfare organisation. As the spouse of a serving Army Officer, she was often on her own, running the home with three young children. Constantly being re-posted had made it hard to make friends. Being new to the area she wanted to meet people who understood her situation so she could find a sense of belonging and take some time for herself. Her dream was to pursue her passion for interior design and set up her own business.
On registering, we offered Charly a social support meeting with our Head of Welfare to understand her current situation and discuss a plan for the best way to support her. Our welfare team validated the importance of finding some ‘me time’ to enhance her mental wellbeing and supported Charly in joining our regular Artemis (women only) wellbeing events and also our horticultural therapy programme when she could. It helped her find some balance, to connect with herself, with nature and with like-minded people. She made good friends and shared both the worries and wins of being an army spouse.
Charly and her family have recently moved on again and she took this time to reflect on the changes in her life over the last year. These include the good friends she has made, the increase in her confidence and skill set and the interior deign business she has successfully established.
She told us, “I’ve been a member of VO and VO Artemis for a year, attending a mix of fitness, relaxation & group activities which have been varied, enjoyable and confidence building both socially and practically. The evening canoe on the River Dart with BBQ was relaxing as well as confidence building in terms of picking up a skill that I hadn’t done in over 15 years & meeting new people. The Chill ‘n’ Chat Artemis event was an emotionally safe space in which to relax & recuperate and I appreciated the emphasis on being a safe emotional space to unwind in.”