Soldiers facing medical discharge and those who are on recovery through periods of mental health or medical challenges will benefit from new opportunities to build confidence, improve wellbeing, and learn practical skills, thanks to our grant of £8,000 to Abberton Rural Training.
Leaving, or taking a break from, military service due to illness or injury can be challenging. Alongside adapting to physical or mental health conditions, some service personnel may also face uncertainty about their future as they prepare for civilian life.
To help address these challenges, the Army Benevolent Fund is supporting Abberton Rural Training’s Rustic Recovery Programme, delivered in partnership with the Personnel Recovery Centre at Colchester Garrison.
The programme provides five-day courses for wounded and injured service personnel, combining practical training with wellbeing support. Participants can take part in activities including carpentry, horticulture, bushcraft, animal husbandry, and yoga, all delivered in a supportive outdoor environment.
Our funding will help around 60 wounded and injured service personnel as they undergo personnel recovery before returning to service or navigate the transition to civilian life. By providing support during a critical period of change, the programme helps participants develop new coping strategies, establish positive routines and build the confidence needed to take their next steps, contributing to long-term wellbeing and independence.
Erin Lysandrou, Site & Education Manager at Abberton Rural Training, said:
“Abberton Rural Training is proud to work alongside the Personnel Recovery Centre at Colchester to support service personnel. Through our Rustic Recovery Programme, we provide a safe, supportive environment where individuals can rebuild confidence, develop practical skills and reconnect with a sense of purpose. We are extremely grateful to the Army Benevolent Fund for its support, which enables us to continue delivering this vital programme.”
Brigadier (Ret’d) Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer at the Army Benevolent Fund, added:
“The Rustic Recovery Programme provides valuable support at a crucial time, helping participants improve their wellbeing, develop new skills and build confidence for the future. We are pleased to support a project that is making such a positive difference to wounded and injured soldiers.”