Support for Emergency Service Veterans.

Exercise, fresh air and social interaction has become even more important for veterans after many have been self-isolating due to Covid-19. Here is a case study about the impact the Cycle Group has had for several FirstLight veterans in Gosport during this difficult time.

Cycle Group

The FirstLight Trust team in Gosport works with Cycle UK to ensure the correct measures are in place to keep everyone safe whilst out on their rides. Veterans PG, PM, MA and NF took part in the first socially distanced bike ride, which continues each week.

On one of the first rides, FirstLight Trust colleague, RB, could see something was wrong with NF so she pulled him aside to ask if he was okay. NF was stressed and anxious about moving house, so RB invited him to join the ride in his electric wheel chair which he eventually accepted. NF interacted with the group and he thanked RB for inviting him stating, “that was just what I needed”. RB reminded NF that moving house is stressful for anyone and encouraged him to continue with his breathing exercises and to reach out if he needs help.

MA brought his own helmet and was keen to get started. He said he had been waiting for months to get together and was ready for a good ride. The group took in the landscape as they rode and chatted when they stopped for a break.

On the second week, veterans JW and MR joined. JW had a bad knee so the group took a slightly slower ride this week. JW shared that his daughter had passed away quite suddenly last month and he explained this was the first time he had been out properly. He stated that it was “just what the doctor ordered”. JW spoke to FirstLight Trust’s RB about how he is coping, and was thankful for a listening ear. The rest of the group took the time to speak to JW and make him laugh. JW decided that he wanted to become a regular member of the Cycle Club. The veterans requested longer bike rides in the future as they are starting to feel physically fitter.

The group has continued to grow and has split into two with those less confident being led by FirstLight’s colleague, SF. Gosport’s mascot Hope the Bear joins the veterans on most rides, providing a good laugh to all. On the fifth week, the more advanced group were picking up speed and with the weather improving the veterans enjoyed the ride even more. JW opened up about his daughter stating that she loved the grounds they had cycled to that day. He says that even though he misses her every day, he is learning to get on with life without her and is thankful to FirstLight Trust for all the support.

On week six, NF had a low mood and told RB that he would not be attending Cycle Club this week, however he showed up anyway. He was quiet on the ride stating that he was having a bad couple of days. He had been turned down for a walk-in shower from the GP and occupational therapist. NF received a text message telling them his application had been rejected. However, when RB asked to see the text message she was able to tell him that he had been asked to contact the number they sent through for a self-referral. NF had read the text wrong, and thanked RB for the help. PG ad PM thoroughly enjoyed the ride this week. PM stated that it’s great for his mental health and if he had never found FirstLight Trust then “god knows where I would be now”.

The Cycle Group was joined by a representative from Cycle UK on one of their rides. They cycled along the beach front and over to a beautiful garden where they stopped for a break. The group enjoyed talking to S from Cycle UK, they spoke about their time in the forces and how the Cycle Group has helped them.

The Cycle Group has become a place where veterans can come to get some exercise out in the fresh air and where they can socialise and seek support from FirstLight colleagues. This has become increasingly important given that lockdown has left many veterans feeling lonely and isolated.

The effects of lockdown and self-isolation left many veterans feeling stuck, lonely and isolated. When UK government guidelines permitted groups of six to meet, FirstLight Trust put measures in place to start activities and provide veterans with the social connection and emotional support they greatly needed.

One of the activities is the allotment project in Gosport, where veterans meet once a week to grow fruit and vegetables and carry out other tasks required to keep the allotment tidy and in order. All FirstLight Trust activities follow social distancing guidelines set out by the UK government and safety is our number one priority.

The first case study here was written when the activity started as lockdown restrictions began to lift, and the second case study was written six weeks later. The allotment project has provided veterans with a safe place to socialise with other veterans whilst putting positive energy into something they are proud of and can see the benefits. The project is having an incredible impact on their mindset and sense of wellbeing.

Case Study 1

Veterans MA, PG and NF started the allotment project with FirstLight Trust’s (FLT) Hub Coordinator, RB.

MA arrived early and was very eager to get started, as he had waited months to attend this activity. MA already attends Shore Leave Haslar and has taken care of allotment plots before. MA stated to RB that, “today was magic, to be able to be myself and relax into something I love, thank you”. RB told MA that she was glad he feels that way. MA got talking to another veteran, PG and they worked very well together giving each other hints and tips for allotments.

PG is new to the allotment life but jumped straight in listening and discussing how the allotment would move forward. PG stated that he is a very hands-on person. PG de-weeded the two beds with MA without taking over which PG states he tends to do. Both PG and MA started to build a friendship which was great to see.

NF wasn’t sure how he was going to move around the allotment in his wheelchair. RB knew he was concerned and so she showed NF a map she had drawn up for him on how they would make it completely wheelchair accessible for him. NF and RB measured and went around the whole allotment plot putting plans together that would work for him and any other person using a wheelchair. NF stated while walking through the plans that it put his mind at ease and thanked RB for all the help. RB could see his mood lift and there were plenty of smiles from then on. NF opened up about moving home and being worried about packing as the move had come around very quickly and he had no boxes for moving. RB told NF that she would organise boxes for him and they will arrive this weekend. NF stated to RB that he had many things to think about but being at the allotment has really helped in many ways.

Everybody got on very well, PG and MA even suggested that they could help NF move if he wanted. NF was delighted to have people that could help.

Three beds were de-weeded in total and tomatoes and butternut squash seeds were planted. It was a very physical work out which contributed to the veterans’ positive mental well-being. The allotment project gives veterans the opportunity to be out in the sunshine and fresh air with a small group of people, which has not happened for months due to Covid-19.

All three veterans want to attend weekly.

Case Study - 28 July 2020

FirstLight Trust’s (FLT) Hub Coordinator, RB, met veterans PG, PM, TP and NF at the allotment.

This week they talked about their plans for next week as RB is on annual leave. SF, FLT Support Coordinator, will run the next two weeks.

PG PM will empty out the big compost boxes and finish fixing them. NF will be sowing the seeds in the shed ready for October planting. TP is sanding down and re-painting the bench that was donated to the allotment. It is being made it into a memorial bench for a veteran who sadly passed away last year – it will sit within a thinking corner with poppies planted around it.

RB did not have to lead any discussions apart from the plans for the coming weeks.

The veterans are all totally comfortable with talking and trusting each other now. It was great to see PM talking to NF about his appointments with TILS and how they are going. They shared past experiences with TP, helped PM come to terms with what he fears could happen but won’t due to his PTSD.

The session was great today. De-weeding was done and the shed was given a second coat of paint. However, the session was more about opening up to others, feeling safe in the environment the veterans had created, and being there without being judged, just supported.