Veterans’ Growth is one of several organisations the ABF funds which promote the mental health and wellbeing of soldiers, former soldiers and their families. Earlier this year, we awarded a grant of £20,000 to support their 12-week social and therapeutic horticulture courses at their 5-acre site in East Sussex. National Garden Scheme funding was used to partially fund this grant.

Serving first as a regular soldier in the Grenadier Guards and then in the Royal Military Police, Roy was diagnosed with PTSD in 2015. He found it hard to get help because of the complexities of his condition, until he learned about Veterans’ Growth.

Roy signed up for a 12-week social and therapeutic horticulture course at the charity’s 5-acre site in East Sussex. He says the experience was life-changing -“It has made a huge difference to my life for the better. Every time I’ve come here, I learn something new. “

Roy values the peace and calm of the Veterans’ Growth site, and its green space. And being active and surrounded by nature, helps to reduce stress, anxiety and depression.

“I’ve never had a garden. The only time I’ve ever been outside in places like this, was in the Army and it’s a different environment. I’ve got my own allotment here and my domain is the polytunnel. I just love being there because I’m just concentrating on what I’m doing at the time and learning.”

Roy’s experience has built his confidence and connections with the community, as well other participants – up to 12 on each course. Together, they tend the Commonwealth Grave in the village and look after the local War Memorial.

He would definitely recommend horticulture therapy to other veterans. Roy says: “When things get a bit too much, I can get out, rather than stay in and bottle everything up.

“PTSD can be a very isolating condition. But here you’re around people. It’s done far more for me than any therapy sessions.”

Sarah Wilson, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Veterans’ Growth, said:

“We are delighted to receive this generous funding from the ABF, which allows us to continue providing our invaluable services to veterans and their families. On the surface, gardening seems a simple activity, but through horticultural and outdoor activities, we can deliver life-changing benefits to those who take part. In fact, in some cases, what we offer here at Veterans’ Growth is literally life-saving. We are proud of those who seek our help and honoured to be part of their journey as they work towards better mental health.”

To find out more about Veteran’s Growth, visit their website here.