This campaign has now closed
Alabaré's Boots on the Ground provides a programme of mental health recovery for young people and Armed Forces veterans, by harnessing the healing power of nature, delivering a range of outdoor activities, and providing volunteering opportunities on community projects.
Categories
Beneficiaries
Situation
Over half of the homeless veterans that we support say that they need help with their mental well-being along with many of the vulnerable young people (including Care Leavers, young parents, and Unaccompanied Asylum Seekers). Many have experienced trauma, either during childhood or service, resulting in issues such as anxiety, depression, personality disorders and self-harm. Poor mental health can lead to poverty, homelessness, alcohol/drug misuse, debt, relationship breakdown and crime.
Solution
Connection to the natural environment improves mood, confidence, and self-esteem, while reducing feelings of stress, anger, loneliness. Group activities and community volunteering helps young people and veterans connect with others and their community. The Boots on the Ground team will come alongside them, build a relationship, act as mentors and role models, then offer further support at such time when they are more stable and able to engage, working around their mental wellbeing.
