The Army Benevolent Fund has begun a new partnership with the Defence Gardens Scheme, awarding £18,000 to its Healing Roots project to help improve wellbeing, reduce isolation and support successful transition from military to civilian life
The one-year pilot will support Army veterans and their families across Scotland’s Central Belt through therapeutic horticulture and “grow your own” activities, helping to improve wellbeing, reduce isolation and support successful transition from military to civilian life.
Healing Roots will provide structured group sessions in Edinburgh and Glasgow, building on existing work at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and expanding into communities with some of Scotland’s largest veteran populations. Participants will learn practical growing skills, spend time outdoors and connect with others who understand the realities of military life.
Delivered in partnership with local organisations and support services, the project aims to provide accessible, non-clinical support that feels welcoming, purposeful and free from stigma. As well as improving wellbeing, participants will have opportunities to develop confidence, establish positive routines and build lasting social connections.
Col (Ret’d) Sally Coulthard MBE, Chief Executive Officer at the Defence Gardens Scheme, said:
“On behalf of everyone at the Defence Gardens Scheme, I would like to express our sincere thanks to the Army Benevolent Fund for its confidence in our work and their commitment to improving the wellbeing of the Army family. Their support will make a tangible difference to the lives of those who are rebuilding confidence, connection and purpose through gardening. This generous grant will enable more veterans, serving personnel and military families to access the restorative benefits of nature-based recovery through social and therapeutic horticulture.”
We look forward to beginning this next chapter and demonstrating how gardens can become places of recovery, resilience and hope.”
Brigadier (Ret’d) Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer at the Army Benevolent Fund, added:
“Veterans and military families can benefit from receiving support before challenges develop into more serious difficulties. We are delighted to begin this new partnership with the Defence Gardens Scheme and help more members of the Army family in Scotland to access early support in their local communities.”