Course helps veterans
A course to support New Zealand Defence Force veterans to transition back to day-to-day life has proved to be a success with a woman from Waipukurau taking part.
Outward Bound collaborated with the No Duff Charitable Trust to create the course which hosted several participants coming from the army, navy, air force and the secret service.
The inaugural course was held in February and headed by former soldier Aaron Wood.
It was designed for veterans looking to progress back into normal life again as well as benefiting from extra support to give back to the veteran community in times to come.
Although many were in different stages of their transition, all were functioning well in postservice life.
A spokesperson from Outward Bound said feedback after the course had been extremely positive with many describing it as a ‘life changing experience’.
Central Hawke’s Bay’s Kate Vandemeer, 30, took part in the course after serving six years in the air force as a technician and said it was a “memorable experience”.
“It was just really special and something I will treasure for a very long time,” she said.
Vandemeer said the opportunity to engage in depth with other veterans in a non-judgmental and supportive environment had a significant and positive impact on her personal wellbeing.
Te Awamutu soldier 27-year-old James Baldwin was deployed to both Afghanistan and Timor.
“When I left the army I didn’t get any support and didn’t know where to find it. A lot of training goes into teaching aspiring soldiers how to think and act like a soldier but when they leave, there is no training available to help get them back to civilian life, to integrate them back into society.
“I thought everyone else must get out and be fine, but everyone struggles when they leave.”
Baldwin said the course was extremely helpful.
“It’s a good feeling to know there are others out there like you.”