Veteran Stories Meet some of our veterans Andy's Story ​ Anna's Story ​ Del's Story ​ Harry's Story ​ John's Story ​ John's Story ​ Martin's Story ​ Natalie's Story ​ Nick's Story ​ Steve's Story ​ Trish's Story ​

Veteran Pathways From Injury To Independence Last year, 1,578 UK regular Armed Forces personnel were medically discharged, representing approximately four per day. For Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force personnel, one of the most common causes of medical discharge was mental illness, which has increased since 2015. For some Veterans, the path to independence and employment can be a struggle which can be greatly improved by managing and developing their physical and mental health. ​ SWV offers Veterans with physical or mental injuries or illnesses initial support through two programmes - Sports Habilitation and Pain Management . To apply for either of these programmes please follow the links below. After completing either of these two programmes, Veterans are then invited to join the Mentoring Pathway and Occupation, Training & Employment Pathway, and where appropriate, can be referred to the Pain Management Programme and further Mental Health Support. Sports Habilitation Pain Management Mentoring Occupation, Training & Employment Mental Health Resilience Veteran Support Network

SWV Winter Conference and Challenge Come and join the challenge! SWV Winter Conference and Challenge Event Date Thursday 20th - Sunday 23rd March 2025 The SWV Winter Conference - Followed By The SWV Winter Challenge Applications for next year's Winter Conference & Challenge are open! Please email johnny@supportingwoundedveterans.com for more details. This year's Winter Conference and Winter Challenge was an all-round success, kicking off with the insightful conference covering a range of interesting topics with great Q&A sessions to answer all of our burning questions. After the conference the teams took to the slopes, taking part in a range of team building activities and competing alongside many of the SWV Veterans. A wonderful time was had by all, and if you would like to enter a team for next year, then please get in touch. Below is the schedule from this year's Winter Conference 2024 THE CONFERENCE: Global Political Risk – The World is shifting, what are the evolving risks going forward, Economically, Politically, for our Security – Update from General Sir Nick Carter (SWV Patron) Who are our Friends now? Financial Security and Risk? Lead Speakers from the City, The Armed Forces and respected senior journalists. THE SWV WINTER CHALLENGE: Combines supporting the rehabilitation of medically discharged veterans back into employment with a team building and adrenaline-fuelled weekend in Switzerland. The challenge also gives our veterans an unparalleled opportunity to meet members of the business community, understand more about the corporate world, share their experiences, as well as being a critical part of our annual fundraising. Participants (in teams of 2 – 4), compete with and against SWV veterans, and the challenge is designed to ensure that able-bodied and disabled skiers compete on equal terms. You do not have to be of, or anywhere near, Olympic standard to take part! (Though some of our veterans are!) and although this is a ski challenge, there will be tasks/challenges that are aimed at challenging your ability to work together as a team and think outside the box affording everyone the opportunity to win that Challenge Cup. SUPPORTING WOUNDED VETERANS’ purpose is to help medically discharged wounded veterans back into meaningful civilian life and employment – many of our veterans have been told they will never be able to work again. However our success rate with veterans on our programmes is that over 90% of recipients get back into employment, training or education. SWV's key support programmes are: Sport habilitation including ‘Skihabilitation’ and the Ocean Challenge. Mentoring. Pain Management Occupation and Training. Medical trials & research at Kings College London. Each of these needs-driven programmes has been established to address the physical and mental health needs of the veterans. VETERAN REPRESENTATIVES (VetReps) Veterans who have previously been on our Ski-habilitation Week and other support programmes and have made positive progress as a result. They are often keen to ‘give back to SWV’ and make the most of their military skills so have volunteered to join The VetRep Team. The Vet Reps have helped run and manage the Ski Challenge (and the Ski-habilitation Week) for 7 years, their experience and skill sets are perfect for event management and they are a huge asset to the Winter Challenge. DONATIONS TO SWV Winter Conference Delegates and Challengers competing in the “SWV Winter Challenge” are asked to donate a minimum of £1,000 per person for SWV - as the Buddies do for the Veteran Ski-habilitation Week; the 2024 Buddy Cohort of 17 - raised over £100K! It is possible that attending the Winter Conference may form a key element of your professional development and so you could engage with your businesses internal finance team over the appropriate tax treatment. The expectation for the Event being that each Challenger, in addition to paying their Travel, Accommodation, Insurance, Ski Kit, Ski Pass and local costs (meals), pledges to raise a minimum of £1k – but like the Buddies, we hope that they exceed that expectation! Companies are invited to match fund donations raised by their teams. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE EVENT PLEASE CONTACT johnny@supportingwoundedveterans.com contact us Previous Next

Events Come and join us! Rivers' Forum 2024 The Rivers’ Forum is about finding solutions: solutions to the UK's river pollution crisis, while opening up opportunities to training and employment for Veterans within the conservation and rivers sector. The Forum is an opportunity to create relationships to drive real change and collaborative impact Read More Ocean Challenge 2024 Applications for this year's Sports Habilitation Ocean Challenge are now open for both Veterans and Sailing Buddies! The Ocean Challenge is part of the SWV Sports Habilitation pathway Read More Summer Drinks Party SWV Summer Drinks Party taking place on 15th May at the Cavalry and Guards Club, London. ​ Read More SWV Winter Conference and Challenge A team building and adrenaline-fuelled weekend in Switzerland which gives our Veterans an unparalleled opportunity to meet members of the business community. Come and join the challenge! Read More

Sports Habilitation Veteran Pathways Sport is a proven and potent medium for confidence building. Adaptive sport and access to new challenges enables those with disabilities to level with those without, in a way that few other activities can. ​ The Veteran Ski-Habilitation Week For Veterans, the transition to civilian life is often tough. Those with physical or mental health issues face tough challenges and can become isolated and struggle alone. Our Ski-habilitation week offers a transformative break to help start a new phase in the transition to civilian life, and a relationship with SWV, as well as kick-starting the recovery process. How it works ​- Every year, 25 Veterans from the UK are selected to go to Klosters, in Switzerland. As well as skiing with qualified adaptive ski instructors, the trip provides the chance to discuss pain management needs and career interests with SWV’s coordinators. This ensures every Veteran can receive further support and bespoke mentoring following the trip. There is also a valuable opportunity to share experiences with other wounded Veterans, which often proves to be invaluable, helping Veterans to feel less alone in their battles and ongoing challenges that they face. ​ Medical professionals are also on hand during the trip. This is a dedicated team on site to help the Veterans - these include a GP and Sports Medicine Specialist, a Physiotherapist, an Osteopath, a Sports Massage Therapist and a Psychologist. In addition to medical clinics, there are evening sessions in Relaxation, Mindfulness and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). ​ After the week, each Veteran is introduced to their own Mentor, a person who they can turn to, to provide guidance and support throughout the ongoing recovery process. Learn more about how a mentor could help you. Joining The Programme ​ Ski Week 2024 has already taken place, but applications for 2025 are already open, so please get in touch. Next year's trip will run from 17th March to 23rd March 2025. (Buddies will travel out on 16th March) Due to the Swiss travel requirements, if Covid-19 restrictions are re-introduced then to join us on the Ski Week you will need to have been triple vaccinated against Covid-19. ​ Register your interest in the Ski Week by completing the application form ​ Ski Buddies ​ Our Ski-habilitation Week would not be possible without volunteer Ski Buddies, who help the Veterans both on and off the slopes. Each year, 20 individuals of all ages and backgrounds are selected and raise at least £2,000 each to cover their costs and a donation to SWV. The Ski Buddies are an important aspect to this special week, as well as being on hand to support the Veterans making their week easier, they are a friendly listening ear and help Veterans access further support where needed. Learn more about being a Ski Buddy -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Ocean Challenge - for Armed Forces Veterans ​​ This is a fantastic opportunity for Veterans to learn or improve on their individual sailing skills. In addition, for those new to SWV we offer you the opportunity of a mentoring scheme and a network for those looking to get back into employment, as well as access to the SWV Pain Management Pathway if required. ​ ​ Application criteria: Proof of service (if selected for interview) Non-serving veterans Open to Tri-Service ​ ​ How much will it cost? The only cost to you is the travel from home to Gosport, near Portsmouth. The sailing trip is paid for by SWV's fundraising activities. The week will include all meals, sailing training and entry to the Round the Island Race. You will need to come with suitable clothing for sailing, but wet weather gear and life jackets will be provided. You will also need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. Your only expenses will be evening refreshments. ​ ​ Do you have to be a novice sailor? No experience is necessary. ​ ​ What is the daily schedule? A typical day looks like this: 0700 - Breakfast 0900 - Sailing training 1530 - Return to a port – this will be different each day. 1900 - BBQs, suppers and other evening activities. ​ Accommodation is on board the yachts. On the Friday we will have a small regatta between our own boats and on the weekend will take part in the famous Round the Island Race! I am prescribed medication, is this problem? No, if you are responsible for your medication at home you will easily be able to cope on the trip. ​ ​ I am not at a very high standard of fitness, does this matter? No, but we would recommend that you partake in a basic fitness regime so that you are able to get the most out of this week. ​ ​ To apply, register your interest here ​ The Ocean Challenge 2024 will run from 9th - 16th June, taking part in the Round The Island Race on Saturday 15th June. ​ For further information Email : martinb@supportingwoundedveterans.com Phone: 07990 552718 ​ "It made me reflect on how far I've come, but also it made me realise (on race day) that what we were doing could inspire other people who have also been injured/diagnosed" ​ ​

Veteran Pathways From Injury To Independence Last year, 1,578 UK regular Armed Forces personnel were medically discharged, representing approximately four per day. For Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force personnel, one of the most common causes of medical discharge was mental illness, which has increased since 2015. For some Veterans, the path to independence and employment can be a struggle which can be greatly improved by managing and developing their physical and mental health. ​ SWV offers Veterans with physical or mental injuries or illnesses initial support through two programmes - Sports Habilitation and Pain Management . To apply for either of these programmes please follow the links below. After completing either of these two programmes, Veterans are then invited to join the Mentoring Pathway and Occupation, Training & Employment Pathway, and where appropriate, can be referred to the Pain Management Programme and further Mental Health Support. Sports Habilitation Pain Management Mentoring Occupation, Training & Employment Mental Health Resilience Veteran Support Network

Latest News Ski-habilitation Week 2024 March 2024 saw another action packed Ski-habilitation Week with 22 Veterans joining 17 supportive Ski Buddies for a restorative start to the next stage of their rehabilitation to a brighter future. Buddies smash through their £100K fundraising target! Buddies smash through their £100K fundraising target! Carol Concert 2023 The SWV Carol Concert took place on 5th December 2023 - and is was a sell out! Transforming Negative Transitions Programme HighGround and Supporting Wounded Veterans have been awarded a grant by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to fund a 3 year Transforming Negative Transitions (TNT) programme. To find out more click the button below. Ocean Challenge 2024 Ocean Challenge 2024 - Applications for this year's Ocean Challenge are now open for both Veterans and Buddies Veterans' Foundation Supports SWV We are extremely grateful to the Veterans' Foundation who have awarded SWV a grant to support our Ocean Challenge SWV Rivers' Forum “Quite possibly the most frank and useful forum to address river pollution of the past 20 years.” This was the assessment of former Foreign Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind, who chaired the first Rivers’ Forum Supporting Wounded Veterans. SWV Winter Conference Talks We were delighted to host some fascinating talks as part of SWV’s Winter Conference in Klosters this year. Click below to watch or listen to the recordings. Our Patron, General Sir Nick Carter, spoke with Times Journalist Manveen Rana on the strategic and security questions facing the world today AFCFT supports SWV and HighGround SWV is delighted to have been awarded a £288,000 grant from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. 2023 Ski Buddies go above and beyond! As the 2023 buddies prepare to undertake their duties supporting veterans on this year’s Ski Week we would like to take a moment to thank them for their amazing fundraising efforts so far. Veterans Foundation supports SWV research into PTSD We are delighted to announce that the Veteran’s Foundation have generously awarded SWV a much appreciated grant to support research into the societal effects of PTSD. Watch the Carol Concert Watch the video of the 2022 SWV Carol Concert 1 2 1 ... 1 2 ... 2 Read The Latest Updates

Ski-habilitation Week 2024 Read the Latest news ​ March 2024 saw another action packed Ski-habilitation Week with 22 Veterans joining 17 supportive Ski Buddies for a restorative start to the next stage of their rehabilitation to a brighter future. ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. Previous Next

Veteran Ski Week 2024 Our annual Ski-habilitation Week returned to Klosters this March, 2024 Veteran Ski Week 2024 Event Date 4 - 10 March 2024 This year's Ski-habilitation week saw 22 Veterans travel out to Klosters, joined by 17 supportive Ski Buddies, to take part in this restorative week. The Ski-habilitation week is a programme set in place for Veterans who are living with injuries, illnesses and challenges that impact their everyday life. This week acts as a natural 'reset' for Veterans to link into a support network, to access further help and guidance along with pulling together with other Veterans as they undertake this next stage of rehabilitation. Due to injury and illness, and learning to live with new health challenges many Veterans understandably need extra support and guidance - this is where linking into SWV support pathways, such as the Ski-habilitation week - can be so beneficial. Over the course of this year's Ski-habilitation week all 22 Veterans, with a variety of different illnesses, injuries and health challenges, progressed really well growing in confidence, strength and positivity. At the end of this supportive week Veterans are linked in with their own Mentor - a person who is there to help them set goals, to support and offer guidance helping them to a brighter future. Veterans can also link into other support networks too, helping them to address pain issues, manage their mental health and to find the next step on their new career pathway. Thank you to all who were involved in this year's Ski-habilitation week, it is the hard work and dedication of so many incredible people that make this week extra special. From the Buddies to the Vet Reps, the medical team to the instructors, the SWV team to the lunch team - everyone embraces the week with enthusiasm and positivity, putting this important week in place to support the Veterans. If you are interested in joining us on the next Ski Week then please comple the application form online . Previous Next

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Veteran Stories Meet some of our veterans Andy's Story ​ Anna's Story ​ Del's Story ​ Harry's Story ​ John's Story ​ John's Story ​ Martin's Story ​ Natalie's Story ​ Nick's Story ​ Steve's Story ​ Trish's Story ​

Summer Drinks Party ​ Summer Drinks Party Event Date 15th May 2024 Please come and join us for this year's Summer Drinks Party, taking place on Wednesday 15th May. This is set to be a wonderful evening at the Cavalry & Guards Club, London. There will be drinks and canapés served throughout the evening, as well as an opportunity to speak to many of the SWV team, meet SWV Veterans and hear about the latest events and news within the charity. Please contact polly@swv.org.uk for any queries, and click on the link below to secure your tickets for the event - www.swvsummerdrinks2024.eventbrite.co.uk Previous Next