May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, which aims to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and highlight the importance of mental wellbeing. It is also a time to recognise the organisations working to support those who need it most.
The Army Benevolent Fund is committed to supporting organisations that help improve the mental health and wellbeing of soldiers, veterans and their families. One of the partner charities we support is the Armed Forces Equine Charity, which uses equine activity and therapy to help individuals rebuild confidence, resilience and connection with others.
We have recently awarded a grant of £22,650 to support the charity’s Veterans Active Recovery Programme, funding 20 places for Army veterans. This grant will help ensure that more veterans can access the sustained, compassionate, support they need to improve their mental health and build positive futures beyond service.
Operating across centres in Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Yorkshire, the Armed Forces Equine Charity supports serving personnel, veterans, their families and local communities. Although located on Ministry of Defence sites across the UK, the charity receives no public funding and relies on grants such as this to deliver its vital work.
Delivered across the charity’s equestrian centres, the residential programme combines clinical and non-clinical support within a structured care pathway, helping veterans move from crisis to recovery. Through equine-assisted activity, peer support and tailored wellbeing plans, participants are supported to address challenges such as mental health, relationships and life beyond service, while developing practical coping strategies and renewed confidence.
Sue Gray, Chief Executive Officer of the Armed Forces Equine Charity, said:
“I have recently visited some of our Veterans Active Recovery sessions and it is truly inspirational to see how working with our horses has a profoundly positive impact on a person’s mental health, both in the short and long term. It is thanks to the generous funding from the ABF that we continue to be able to provide life changing support to Army veterans in need.”
Brigadier (Ret’d) Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer of the Army Benevolent Fund, added:
“The Veterans Active Recovery Programme offers a powerful and holistic approach, helping individuals rebuild confidence, reconnect with others and regain a sense of purpose. This grant will enable more Army veterans to access the sustained support they need as they transition into civilian life.”
To find out more about the Armed Forces Equine Charity visit their website here.