The Army Benevolent Fund is pleased to award a £20,000 grant to Veterans’ Growth towards its horticultural therapy for Army veterans.
Promoting the mental health and wellbeing of veterans is a priority area for our charity. Veterans’ Growth is one of several charities we fund that promote mental health through outdoor-focused activities. Horticultural therapy has proved effective in helping veterans with complex physical and mental health conditions, including depression, addiction challenges and PTSD. Veterans benefit from being outdoors in green spaces, meeting local communities, gardening, and learning new skills.
Our grant will help fund the core costs of Veterans’ Growth’s 12-week social and therapeutic horticulture courses at its pleasant 5-acre site in East Sussex. In 2023, the charity helped over 180 veterans and family members.
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.”
Brigadier (Ret’d) Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer, Army Benevolent Fund, added:
“Horticulture and green space activities have long been regarded as bringing significant therapeutic benefits for many former soldiers with mental and physical injuries. We are pleased to award another grant to Veterans’ Growth this year.”
Read more about Veterans’ Growth here.
