Veterans wellbeing work gets new funds

FUNDING has been secured for a mental wellbeing support programme for military veterans.

The investment by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust means six new residential programmes for former service personnel can take place at Loughborough University over the next two years.

Small groups of veterans will visit Loughborough for a two-day stay, where they will take part in range of activities, including social resilience workshops, practical healthy cooking lessons, sessions on improving sleep quality and team-based physical activity such as wheelchair basketball, walking football and pilates.

All the activities have been specifically designed to enhance mental wellbeing.

The university first ran the Veterans’ Resilience Programme in 2022.

Dr Jamie Barker, from the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, said: “I am delighted we have been able to secure further funding for the programme.

“Many military veterans struggle with their mental health and wellbeing, which leaves them isolated and makes it difficult for them to move on with their lives.

“From our previous residentials we know our programme has the ability to transform lives, and we look forward to supporting even more veterans on their road to recovery.”

Rory O’Connor, director of welfare and policy at the Royal Air Forces Association, which helped create the programme, said: “We know how important exercise, sleep and diet are when it comes to good mental health.

“However, we also know many veterans struggle with their mental health and often do not know where to turn.

“We are delighted even more veterans can benefit from the programme thanks to this further funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.”

The Loughborough scheme is being funded by the trust’s Research and Supporting Armed Forces Communities programme.

For more information, go to: lboro.ac.uk/schools/sport-exercise-healthsciences/veteran-resilience