30 Apr Partnership between Help for Heroes and Essex Wildlife Trust grows
A growing partnership between Help for Heroes and Essex Wildlife Trust has this week broken new ground.
The military charity and conservation charity have been working together for several years. Over the last six months a new project has seen Help for Heroes veterans, their families and volunteers coppicing hazels from Essex Wildlife Trust land. They have then been taught the new skill of weaving hazel hurdle fences which are being installed into the ‘Hope on the Horizon’ garden at Colchester Recovery Centre on Wednesday.
Steve Schollar, Head of Recovery East and Midlands, said: “This project has proved to be an effective recovery activity. It has enabled our veterans to get out in the fresh air with those who may be experiencing similar issues and has taught them a new skill which hopefully will boost confidence. Several veterans have also reported that weaving the hazel hurdle fences has helped to reduce anxiety as they focus on the task in hand”.
Help for Heroes aims to inspire, enable and support those who are wounded, injured or sick while serving our country; encouraging them to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives. By focusing on the five key areas of Medical, Mind, Body, Spirit and Family specialist teams at Colchester Recovery Centre create the conditions for those who put their life on the line to have a second chance at life. Their award-winning garden is a haven for veterans and their families; it is extremely well used with people taking Pilates classes, practicing mindfulness or having family picnics amongst the flowers.
