Veterans find support through gardening therapy

A charity in East Sussex is offering veterans a safe space to improve their mental health through gardening and outdoor activities.

The Veterans' Growth programme uses horticultural therapy to provide wellbeing support in addition to equipping ex-service personnel with new skills and confidence.

The charity in Westfield said it had seen a rise in demand of its service.

Former Intelligence Corps member Rob Cass, who spent 12 years in diplomatic service, said the project had transformed his wellbeing.

"You're surrounded by people who had experienced similar situations in the military and understand the effects of trauma, conflict and high-pressure environments," he said.

Cass, who had worked as a coastal officer at Camber Sands, added he felt like he was part of a community.

"When you're living with PTSD, it can make you quite reclusive, so organisations like Veterans' Growth are really important," he says.

Former RAF squadron leader Terry Chant said the programme was a "great chance to meet like-minded people and do something different".

Chant retired last October and had been part of the scheme for one month.

"When some men retire, they often realise they don't have many friends outside of work," he says.

"Once those workplace connections are gone, you have to find ways to replace them."

Robert Innes had spent 16 years in the frontline with South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb).

"To me, horticultural therapy is therapy without medication. You focus on the task in front of you and get on with the job," he said.

"I feel more refreshed. Everyone is friendly, we have a lot in common and there's a real sense of camaraderie.

"When you retire, your social life can come to a sudden stop, and it becomes harder for some people to make friends, which is why places like this are so important."

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said it was "vital" to work with organisations like Veterans' Growth.

"They help people before they reach crisis point and then come to the attention of the police," she explains.

"We've seen how much police time and resource can be required when people don't get support early enough."

Bourne, who helped set up funding for the horticultural therapy programme, said veterans across Sussex could access the service.

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