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.
In crisis? Find out how you can get urgent support
If you need support urgently or outside of our working hours, please don’t hesitate to contact
SAMARITANS
Freephone their Veterans Support Hub for the military community on 0808 175 3075 (24/7) or email jo@samaritans.org – to access confidential emotional support for feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts.
SHOUT
A crisis text support service for people in the military community who are struggling and need immediate support to get through a crisis. Text CONTACT to 85258. #TextCONTACT85258
NHS 111
To access medical help fast but when it’s not a 999 emergency, telephone 111 (available 24 hours). To access information from the NHS on conditions, treatments, local services and healthy living, visit the NHS website.
COMBAT STRESS
For urgent psychological support, please call 0800 1381619.
SHELTER
For urgent housing support, please call 0808 800 4444.
The best thing to do in difficult times can be to get out of the house. Meet like-minded people. Take part in sport or an interesting hobby.
That’s why we run a range of sporting and social events across the UK for veterans and families, bringing people together where they live.
Through our Sport, Activity and Fellowship programme we do our best to offer something for everyone. Whatever your interests and abilities.
You could try swimming, walking, wheelchair rugby, model making, water sports, singing in a choir, photography, cookery, and a whole lot more.
Or, you might like to simply go for a brew and a chat.
You can meet others who understand what military life was like. And what life afterwards is like. People who understand what it’s like for families.
Because that’s their life too.
If you are a bit worried about meeting new people or trying something new, our team will be on hand to support you. We can help you enjoy the benefits of our activities and of getting involved.
All our sport and social activities are free.
Community Taster Sessions
An opportunity to connect with other veterans and families, meet our team and find out more about the support we offer. No questions asked, no obligation to sign up for support.
SPORTS RECOVERY
Our sporting activities give people the chance to get active in a range of exciting and accessible ways. It’s a great way to get fit and healthy, while having a good time. You can have a go at an activity, try something new, build your skills and competitive edge.
You might like to join a team. To rekindle that feeling of camaraderie. To show the grit and determination from your time in service on the basketball court, rugby pitch, tennis court, or swimming pool.
Or you might like to take it a bit easier in good company and in beautiful surroundings.
Our community-based sport activity programme is UK-wide. We have something for people of all abilities, including adaptive sports.
Social activities
There is a strong bond between people who served in the Armed Forces. It is a family. Getting together with people who truly ‘get it’, can make such a difference to your health and happiness.
Through our social activities you can meet other veterans and families wherever you live across the UK. You could also take up an interesting hobby, or simply meet people for a brew and a chat.
GIVING BACK
Giving back to others can be the most rewarding feeling of all. That's why we offer people the chance to volunteer and help others get back into sport.
There are a range of ways you can play a crucial role in making our activities run smoothly.
Find out moreCHOIR
Our Choir has helped many people on their recovery journey. It’s welcoming, fun and uplifting. Singing in a choir has proven physical and mental health benefits. Our Choir rehearses online and in person with the support of a professional musical director. There are opportunities to take part in concerts for those who want to.
Social activities
You can meet others who understand what life was like in the Armed Forces. What life is like afterwards. And what it’s like for families.
Family support
When a parent or carer's life has been affected by military service, it can affect the whole family. Find out how our Case Managers can help.
Interesting Reads
General: General | Armed Forces community | Band Of Brothers | Sports Recovery | Special Events | Warrior Games 2019
Jenny arrows in on Coaching Academy qualification
Updated on
Former RAF Flight Lieutenant Jenny Collins, from Shrewsbury, has become one of the first people in the country to gain a sports coaching qualification on our Coaching Academy programme.
General: General
Veterans prove power of sports recovery
Updated on
Our veterans accounted for more than four per cent of the medals won by Paralympics GB in Tokyo, highlighting the benefit of sport as a recovery tool – not just for veterans or elite athletes, but for everyone who wants to get involved with sport.
Our Team - Stronger Together: Our Team - Stronger Together
Help for Heroes choir creates camaraderie for our wounded
Updated on
Caroline Rawlins joined our Fellowship team in 2017 to lead our Help for Heroes Choir.
Hero Stories: Armed Forces community | Band Of Brothers | Sports Recovery | Elite Military Athletes
JJ Chalmers
Updated on
In May 2011 - Whilst serving in Afghanistan, JJ suffered life-changing injuries from an IED blast. Narrowly avoiding double arm amputation, he lost two fingers and was left with a badly damaged elbow, as well as face and leg injuries.
Pip Athlete: Elite Military Athletes | Invictus Games 2016 Athletes | Race Across America 2017
Jaco Van Gass
Updated on
Paralympian Jaco was a member of the Parachute Regiment. In 2009, he was completing his second six month tour of Afghanistan when the helicopter he was in came under enemy fire and he was hit by a rocket propelled grenade, sustaining devastating injuries
