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Healing through creativity
- edwardmackenzie2
- May 21
- 2 min read
A recent post on Facebook from the Veterans Foundation strangely coincided with our blog idea this week. We shared the post on our Facebook page regarding a charity called Veterans’ Growth who support military veterans dealing with mental health issues by fostering social connections and introducing horticulture as a possible hobby or career. This also tied in with an article received from one of our supporters, Sarah Miller regarding the Royal Horticultural Society and their horticultural therapy for veterans.
Our original idea for a blog was on art therapy for veterans. A therapy in conjunction with counselling initially done through Combat Stress. The success of this type of therapy has led to many organizations such as Royal British Legion and smaller charities taking this up as a valid addition to the help available to veterans suffering with PTSD, anxiety and isolation.
Art therapy is not just about drawing, it could be sculpting, painting or writing. You do not need to be skilled to take part, it is about being able to express yourself using a variety of mediums.
For some it is a case of remembering that they used to draw, paint, plant, grow before they left service so it may be a case of reconnecting to a pleasure they had forgotten in the turmoil of life and mental health struggles.
"Art making can open up doors to the mind and body in ways words can’t and may help change how memories are stored. Art Therapy provides an opportunity for a veteran to reflect on their experiences in the military and make sense of them by tapping into all the senses using art," Sophia Cowx, Senior Art Therapist at Combat Stress.
With the better weather coming (maybe) why not look into either Horticultural therapy or Art Therapy (or both). There are lots of schemes around, there is sure to be something near you.
For full article on Horticultural therapy and contact information: https://www.rhs.org.uk/garden-inspiration/people-making-a-difference/military-veterans
An interesting article from RHS. There needs to be more allotments available. The space can then be used to grow consumables, flowers or a shed to make scarecrows but the connections to the other allotment holders (maybe all veterans) and the earth can not be anything but beneficial.