Veterans have already told us.....
“Since starting with Veterans Outdoors I feel a lot better in myself. I'm in an environment doing something I love. Being outdoors, gardening and, most important of all, being with other people who understand and accept me for who I am has changed the way I think about life".
‘I cannot thank this charity enough for what they have done for me, they literally saved my life.”
Now we’d like you to tell us more! With Spring just around the corner and lots of wonderful outdoor opportunities about to open up, we’re undertaking our biggest ever review of the activities, experiences and courses we offer. We want the veterans’ community to help us shape our future by telling us what they’d like to do with us this summer – and beyond. We’ll be organising open days where you can meet the team, online discussion forums and we’re open to suggestions at any time through our enquiry system at [email protected]
Not only are we keen to expand the outdoor activities and experiences we offer, we want to know what time of the week is best for veterans to attend – should we run more evening or weekend activities? Should we lay on more longer courses of say 4 – 10 weeks duration? Should we have an outdoor ‘drop-in centre’ where veterans can come at any time to enjoy horticulturally therapeutic activities and perhaps have their own allotments?
And we’re keen to engage with ALL veterans. Our view is that we can ALL do with a bit of mental wellbeing from time to time – and especially at the moment. So, please, if you’re a veteran and you haven’t yet registered with us, please do. Or if you know of a veteran that might enjoy what we do, then please tell them about us.
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The World has become a different place since our last newsletter and we know that Forces’ communities around the world are watching the situation in Ukraine as it unfolds. To show our support for the people of Ukraine, Veterans Outdoors will be planting a small patch of sunflowers (Ukraine’s national flower) at the location of each of our horticultural projects. They won’t bloom until mid-summer – and let us all hope the conflict will be over by then.
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As part of a Project Artemis Wellbeing Day. Hannah, Foraging Leader from the Apricot Centre at Huxhams Cross Farm, led us on a foraging walk around the farm, nearby woods and hedgerows. We gathered over 20 plant species that we’d learnt were safe to eat and high in nutrients - plants like nettle, sorrel, wild garlic and dandelion. We had a communal cook up and enjoyed our fresh, locally sourced lunch of wholesome and tasty wild greens soup with hogweed and dock seed flatbreads.
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And if that's whetted your appetite for something fresh and flavourful straight out of the ground, why not join our next legendary soil-to-supper course in the peaceful, private surroundings of the historic walled garden on the Dartington Estate near Totnes. Last year’s course was one of the most successful we’ve run with the cohort reporting that, as well as having a great time, learning new skills and making new friends it helped improve confidence, decision-making and problem-solving skills. The next course is taking new joiners until Wednesday 30th March and it runs each Wednesday to Weds 25th May (with a week off for Easter on Weds 20th April). If you’d like to take part please contact Bernard on [email protected].
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A BIG thanks this month to......
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We are, as ever, grateful to the funders whose generosity keeps us going and enables us to provide the ever-broadening, dynamic range of activities that we have to offer. This month we’ve received funds from the Devon Community Foundation to support our soil-to-supper courses at Dartington, The Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund for activities in communities and the Army Benevolent Fund soldiers’ charity which will support army veterans across our services.
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Support us - become a Pioneering Fundraiser
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Are you adventurous? Do you enjoy running, cycling, or another activity and would like to take on a challenge and raise money to support veterans’ wellbeing? We are inviting supporters to become our Pioneer Fundraisers. Whether you prefer to participate in an organised outdoor challenge such as Plymouth’s 2022 Ocean City Running Festival, prefer to create your own hike or walk or organise a fundraising event – the possibilities are endless.
We’ll be launching our online fundraising page soon but, in the meantime, if you want to have a chat about your idea get in touch with [email protected]
Or, if fundraising isn't for you, why not support us by making a donation. Any amount will help make a difference to a veterans life. Thank you!
“I can’t put into words how much you have helped me. It’s a privilege
to be a beneficiary of such a wonderful, caring, charity.”
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FORTHCOMING EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
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Should you require any out of hours support you may like to use one of the following agencies listed below.
The Samaritans 116123 (24hr helpline)
Combat Stress 0800 138 1619
Hopeline 0800 0684141
Devon First Response 0808 1968708 (24 hr Urgent Mental Health Helpline)
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If you're a veteran, or you're about to transition from the forces, and you feel you could benefit from a bit of outdoor wellbeing with a friendly, supportive team working in some of the South West's most beautiful locations, why not get in touch? Or if you know a veteran you think would benefit, please send them our way. Or come and be a mentor for us - everyone's welcome!
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Finally, a huge thank you to all our funders who make what we do possible. We are grateful to.....
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The 29th May 1969 Charitable Foundation, The Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund, The Army Benevolent Fund Soldiers' Charity, The Robert Clutterbuck Trust, The Country Landowners Association, The De Laszlo Foundation, Devon Community Foundation, Devon County Council, D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, The Elmgrant Trust, Finnis Scott Trust, The Fore Trust Fund, The Garfield Weston Foundation, Roger and Jean Jefcoate, The Clare Milne Charitable Trust, Mole Valley Farmers National Lottery Awards for All, Newton Abbot Town Council, The RAF Benevolent Fund, The Schreier Foundation, St James' Place, The Swire Trust, Torbay Community Foundation, The Veterans Foundation.
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