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A former Army medic, from Kidderminster, wants to encourage others who may be experiencing challenges to get the support they need to turn their lives around.
Tim Seeley, aged 58, left the army after a 10-year career, as a medic and first aid instructor. He has been attending our Community Sports Series, which gives veterans the chance to take part in a range of different sports activities and meet others who may be experiencing similar problems.
He’d been struggling to manage his PTSD and a back injury, which affected his mental health and left him isolated, but he feels attending sports series events has made a big difference.
He said: “It’s amazing how much your pain reduces when you’re focused on participating in a sport. I’ve seen a big improvement in my mental health, and I don’t feel as isolated. Because your brain gets stimulated, it helps with your physical and mental health.
“I was nervous at the start, but now I’d recommend it to any veterans out there, who are struggling for whatever reason. The camaraderie is great, and everyone helps each other out. I’d encourage anyone who is a veteran, who needs some support to try it out. Taking part in the Community Sports Series gives me a real mental boost.
“I’m now giving IT advice and support to a number of voluntary and community organisations in the area, including the NHS. I feel I can start to give something back.”
Tim, right, has seen a vast improvement in his health - Pic: Help for Heroes
More than 200 people have benefited from the sessions - which are fully funded by the Charity - since they were launched in November 2022.
Ryan Hunt, our Community Sports Development Manager, said: “We know from the feedback we get from participants that our Sports Series can be life-changing for some people, giving them a focus to help them manage physical problems as well as mental-health challenges.
“Adaptive, inclusive sport continues to be an important part of our whole person approach to recovery. The Charity also runs a Coaching Academy alongside the Community Sports Series, which has seen 25 veterans move from being supported by the Charity, to qualifying themselves as sports coaches and then going on to support others. And a further 35 are due to qualify this year.”
Participants are given the chance to try traditional adaptive sports including archery, wheelchair basketball and rugby, as well as new ones such as boccia. Experts from local teams as well as sports’ governing bodies come along to lead sessions and make sure everyone can get involved and have fun.
The next Community Sports Series takes place 20-21 July at Liverpool John Moores University and is supported by the Ellesmere Port-based Cheshire Phoenix wheelchair basketball club.
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Sports recovery
Do you miss taking part in sport? Do you miss being in a team? Would you like to be more active? If so, we can help. We run a wide range of exciting sporting activities across the UK for veterans and families.
Community Sports Series
A multi-sports taster event like no other. Connect with like-minded people, try some inclusive, fully accessible sports, and enjoy the community and camaraderie that's part of this unforgettable experience.