As we continue to push forward with our important work here at SAVSIM I am pleased to be able to share with you our most recent report on Mental Health in the Veteran Community. This is our Final Report on this year's Warriors of Hope animal-assisted therapy course, which also includes therapeutic art and yoga to help with the treatment of mental health and PTSD issues within the veteran community.
What Is Armed Forces Day?
Armed Forces Day is an annual event in the United Kingdom that celebrates the service of men and women in the British Armed Forces. It is held on the last Saturday in June and is a chance for the country to show its appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who serve and previously served in the military. With several events taking place all over the country, it is important to also remember the impact that this sacrifice can have on their mental health. As part of our mission statement, we have partnered with the Zoological Society to provide our highly successful Warriors Of Hope Program.
What Is Included In The Warriors Of Hope Program?
The Warriors of Hope program is one of the many causes we operate here at SAVSIM and is designed to aid those veterans who need it with the ability to heal and learn coping mechanisms to combat their mental health. Each program to help these veterans costs circa £9,750.00 for us to run and this covers all accommodation costs, travel, food, wellness and TRiM assessor/consultant, held at London and Whipsnade Zoo in partnership with Zoological Society of London (ZSL). This year's course was partly funded by a grant received from the Veterans Foundation and various donations from our supporters and friends. You can find out more about the Warriors of Hope program here.
The Importance Of Support For Veterans and Their Mental Health
Mental health issues affect the veteran community greatly and these are compounded with the current economic climate and the cost of living crisis. A study conducted by BMJ Military Health found that 38% of those who had served in the HM armed forces had some form of mental health-related issue on their medical record. Whether this be depression, PTSD or Anxiety disorder. As a result, the government has put into place action plans to provide NHS funding for our ex-servicemen and woman to seek the help that they need. But how is SAVSIM different? We provide a hands-on approach using the power of nature as well as therapy to provide support and valuable tools to those who need it. With the help of our fundraisers, donations and our incredible partnerships, we have continued to make a difference with the work we are conducting.
I thought I would share some feedback from two recent candidates and thank the team at SAVSIM CIC for coordinating, managing and delivering the program. Meg HayesEmma CullyJames Evans and to thank Johnny Mercer Felicity Cornelius-Mercer for joining us at London Zoo. On behalf of the veteran community we support, thank you! " 3 weeks ago I was contemplating suicide. glad I came on this. This is a great program. It is individually tailored and provides an amazing non-medicinal solution and coping mechanisms" "you have saved my life" If you would like to read more about the impact that we are having on the community, please take a moment to read the published report below. Also please do visit our website where there is donate button function if you can donate, whatever the amount will be used to do more courses in the future. www.savsim.org
@savsim_official
On behalf of the animals, we protect and the veterans we support.
Thanks
Joe
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