This month, we visited one of our partner charities, Clervaux Trust, and its dedicated family centre, The Fold, located near Catterick Garrison. During our visit, we met staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries whose lives have been positively impacted by the Veterans’ Activity Days programme, which is supported by funding from the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF).
Veterans’ Activity Days enable veterans, families, and members of the local community to connect, learn new skills, and access support. This year, the programme expects to support 150 Army veterans and their families. One beneficiary of the programme is Darren, a Royal Artillery veteran.
Following a serious knee injury sustained during service, he underwent multiple operations and experienced ongoing physical pain as well as mental health challenges, including complex PTSD and ADHD. Over time, Darren found himself becoming increasingly isolated and losing his sense of purpose.
Everything changed when he was encouraged to attend Veterans’ Activity Days at The Fold. For the past three years, Darren and his wife have been regular attendees, finding friendship, support and a renewed sense of belonging within the veteran community. Reflecting on his experience, Darren says:
“On arrival at the centre, you immediately feel welcomed. It is a place where I feel safe, relaxed and valued, and where I can share experiences with fellow veterans.”
One of Darren’s favourite activities is spending time in The Fold’s garden, where he helps grow plants and vegetables. Through gardening and other outdoor activities, he has developed new skills, built meaningful relationships, and rediscovered his confidence.
He adds, “As a veteran, I now have a sense of belonging. I socially engage with others and feel comfortable, part of a family. My life has been turned around.”
Over the years, the ABF has awarded several grants towards the development of The Fold, including a recent grant of £6,000 to help continue delivering the programme.
This year marks the eighth consecutive year of support from the ABF, helping ensure veterans and their families can access opportunities to improve their wellbeing, build social connections, and take part in purposeful activities.
We are only able to provide this support thanks to our longstanding partnership with the National Garden Scheme and its donations, totalling more than £800,000 since 2010, raised through the opening of private gardens to the public.