Melvin Watts recently took on a new role as a Veterans' Mental Health Advocate (South Wales - including Powys) with Alabare - a charity supporting vulnerable, homeless and marginalised people – to roll out a project called Boots on the Ground across Wales. The new project will work to support veterans and their families.
We met Melvin to find out more about Boots on the Ground and why it is needed in Powys.
Tell us more about your new role and what drew you to the work
Boots on the Ground is a social enterprise supporting vulnerable veterans through outdoor activities. I work with veterans to identify activities / training and development that will help them become better equipped to find their place in the community. It also helps them build self-esteem and rediscover their limits.
As a veteran myself, I have had the privilege and honour to work alongside service personnel from all walks of life and backgrounds. I have seen the hardships they endure without complaint and seen the good humour they show through adversity. I wish to help those that may have fallen on difficult times, so that they may lead a more fulfilling life after the hardships they have endured for the country, and ensure they know that they are not forgotten by society.
What are the aims of the Boots on the Ground project
The project supports veterans on their journey towards improved mental health, wellbeing and community connection by creating new pathways driven through active engagement.
Many veterans have faced extreme challenges since leaving service. The scheme aims towards building self-esteem, resilience and skills by providing increased purpose in a friendly supportive atmosphere.
By working with organisations and groups in the local community we focus on a range of activity-based and personal development workshops, that can be tailored towards small veteran groups, across North & South Wales. Some of the activities that take place include wellbeing walks, social forestry, bushcraft, conservation, horticulture, litter picking hubs and Veterans’ Breakfast Clubs.
How do you define the term “veteran”?
A veteran is anyone who has served one day’s service with the Armed Forces, whether it be as a reservist or full time member.
We met Melvin to find out more about Boots on the Ground and why it is needed in Powys.
Tell us more about your new role and what drew you to the work
Boots on the Ground is a social enterprise supporting vulnerable veterans through outdoor activities. I work with veterans to identify activities / training and development that will help them become better equipped to find their place in the community. It also helps them build self-esteem and rediscover their limits.
As a veteran myself, I have had the privilege and honour to work alongside service personnel from all walks of life and backgrounds. I have seen the hardships they endure without complaint and seen the good humour they show through adversity. I wish to help those that may have fallen on difficult times, so that they may lead a more fulfilling life after the hardships they have endured for the country, and ensure they know that they are not forgotten by society.
The project supports veterans on their journey towards improved mental health, wellbeing and community connection by creating new pathways driven through active engagement.
Many veterans have faced extreme challenges since leaving service. The scheme aims towards building self-esteem, resilience and skills by providing increased purpose in a friendly supportive atmosphere.
By working with organisations and groups in the local community we focus on a range of activity-based and personal development workshops, that can be tailored towards small veteran groups, across North & South Wales. Some of the activities that take place include wellbeing walks, social forestry, bushcraft, conservation, horticulture, litter picking hubs and Veterans’ Breakfast Clubs.
How do you define the term “veteran”?
A veteran is anyone who has served one day’s service with the Armed Forces, whether it be as a reservist or full time member.
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Attending the "Big Sleep” at the Tower of London to raise money for homeless veterans |
Veterans everywhere may at some stage suffer from mental health issues, alcohol / drug addiction, homelessness or feel lonely. They may be out of work and looking to retrain or having retired they may wish to feel less isolated and just enjoy activities with like-minded people. Intervention helps reduce the risk of harm to individuals and their families.
How can Powys veterans access the service?
They can refer themselves by emailing M.Watts@alabare.co.uk
What barriers might prevent veterans seeking support and how do you work to overcome those?
We take each case on its merits and will look at them on an individual basis.
Are there particular issues which arise in rural areas for veterans struggling with their mental health?
The biggest thing is isolation, and this can be overcome by a network of volunteers and staff who will where possible either transport individuals or visit in their own home.
What kind of activities does Boots on the Ground offer to support veterans in Powys?
Bushcraft, wood turning, canoeing, fishing, walking, cycling, swimming, horse riding…. The list is endless.
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| Veterans on a fishing trip |
So many! But to list some of them - Armed Forces Covenant, Woodys Lodge, Equus Ferrus, Royal British Legion, Military Preparation College for Training, In the Squad, Dyfed Powys Police, National Probation Service, HMP Parc Many Teras, Action Petz, and Transport For Wales.
What is the most challenging aspect of the job?
There are no challenges, just solutions that I haven’t found yet. (Funding can be difficult but there are so many fantastic agencies or private companies that are supportive and go out of their way to help).
What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?
Meeting veterans, hearing their stories and finding a path together.
When you are not working for Alabare, how do you enjoy spending your time?
Cycling, fishing, walking and spending time with my wife while we visit friends and family all over the UK. I am studying some language skills and read all types of books including classics and military history.
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| Melvin's dog after their walk up Pen y Fan |
Further support for veterans is available in Powys (and across Wales). Find out more on the Veterans NHS website.
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