The Wellbeing Experience is proud to be working in partnership with Frontfoot Jobs in their vision to see all veterans, service leavers, families and reservists given a fair opportunity to return to civilian life by providing the support you need when you need it by people who understand the journey you are on.
Our objective for the Veterans Retreat is to educate, inspire & motivate veterans to take control of their life, and better manage their mental and physical health. We bring together a range of support services and organisations, who provide information and support on a range of topics which impact on a veterans transition to civilian life. From financial advice, mental health support, peer support, housing advice, employment and recruitment, and support for any disabilities.
We want veterans living in our communities to feel integrated into their community, whilst also having the support network around them who understand what they have been through, and what they continue to go through.
The 2021 census included a question on veterans for the first time, which highlights how little is understood by policy makers about this veterans in our country. The figures from the 2021 census (2022 in Scotland), shows that across Great Britain, 2.03 million people reported that they had previously served in the UK armed forces (76% in the regular forces, 20% in the reserve forces and 4% in both). This represents 3.8% (almost 1 in 25) of the total population aged 16 or over.
Overall, 7.0% of households in Great Britain included one or more veterans.
Our next event will be taking place in Preston, Lancashire and will feature 7 different wellbeing zones spread across the University of Central Lancashire campus':
1. VETERANS RETREAT
2. READINESS FOR CHANGE
3. NUTRITION ZONE
4. ACTIVITY ZONE
5. GIVERS GAIN ZONE
6. QUANTAM HEALING ZONE
7. PHYSICAL HEALTH ZONE
There will be a wide range of information, activities, and inspirational speakers through out each zone, with people able to move freely between zones and the event ticket allowing access to each zone, activity, and talk. We are raising funds to provide free tickets to as many veterans as possible, from anywhere in the country.
Along with the zones listed below, we will also be hosting a main stage area which will be packed with interactive panel discussions, and we will also have trained therapists and coaches on site offering 15 minute pep talks and 15 minute check ins available with counselors and therapists.
WHY ARE WE FOCUSING ON VETERANS?
2,905 veterans are living in Preston, the town we are hosting the event, with over 14,000 veterans living in the neighbouring constituencies. That's a possible 16,000+ veterans, and their families, who need support, who we can directly and indirectly engage with or signpost to relevant organisations and support services on the day, for one off advice or for long term engagement.
By purchasing one ticket, you will be giving one veteran the opportunity to attend our wellbeing specific event, to be inspired by speakers, take part in workshops and activities to motivate them to find new hobbies and meet new people, and speak with support services to find the right type of support they need.
You also have the added benefit that the ticket you purchase will go directly to a local veteran, thanks to our strong partnership with Frontfoot jobs and other local and national organisations who have direct contact with veterans, who understand what support is needed to ensure a holistic approach to better manage wellbeing.
The ticket will be given free of charge to veterans, via one of our trusted partners.
We also have the zone sponsor and exhibitor sponsors available, to make the Veterans Retreat the best it has ever been, improving accessibility and inclusivity and meaning we can reach more veterans, families, organisations and communities. Extra funds will cover any costs incurred to organisations and services who want to join us on the day to exhibit, provide information and activities, or to speak at the event.