We are delighted to award a £24,000 grant to The Armed Forces Equine Charity to support its mental health recovery courses for veterans.
Our charity regularly funds sporting and outdoor activities that support veterans’ mental health and wellbeing. The Armed Forces Equine Charity delivers comprehensive clinical and non-clinical care pathways for veterans tailored to their individual needs. Equine interventions are particularly effective for those with PTSD or who are neurodiverse. For those with high levels of anxiety and stress, a connection with animals and nature is sometimes the first step towards recovery.
Our grant will help fund three recovery courses and associated staff costs.
One veteran beneficiary said: “As a person with no prior horse experience, all my expectations have been exceeded. I have been battling PTSD since 2013 and this course has been infinitely better than the therapy or medication I have received to date. The magic of the horses has lifted my chin; and this was a turning point in my life. The Armed Forces Equine Charity supported me throughout and literally saved my life.”
Charity Founder, Jamie Balls MBE, said:
“We are delighted that ABF The Soldiers’ Charity has funded our equine-assisted recovery programme, which involves collaboration and co-ordination with a broad range of recovery organisations, charities, Regimental and Corps Associations and the NHS. We deliver a pathway that is tailored to the needs of the individual. Thank you to ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and our partners who help us to deliver the vital clinical and non-clinical support needed.”
Brigadier (Ret’d) Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, added:
“Our charity is committed to promoting the rehabilitation and recovery of physically and mentally injured veterans. We fund a range of charities engaged in outdoor activities that promote mental wellbeing. We are proud to make this grant to The Armed Forces Equine Charity and its unique care for veterans.”
The Armed Forces Equine Charity also delivers a range of other equine-assisted programmes and recently won the MOD’s Social Value Award for its contribution to the environment and conservation. Read more about its work here.