IF you’re an expert in music, dance or theatre then come and use your talents to help wounded, injured and sick veterans and military personnel with their recovery process.
The Help for Heroes Phoenix House Recovery Centre in Catterick, North Yorkshire, has run a successful arts programme since the beginning of the year; now it is calling for volunteers to come and put on workshops to encourage people using the centre to try new activities.
From body popping to guitar, song writing to wheelchair dancing, the centre has hosted it all with the aim of offering an alternative to the usual sport recovery activities.
Could you volunteer?
But it doesn’t stop there as Kelly Bostock, Rehabilitation Support Co-ordinator at Phoenix House, explains: “We need professionals that are willing to give up their time to help us. We would love to hear from singing instructors, dance teachers, musicians, pianists, actors and anybody who could hold a workshop for the veterans and military personnel here.
“The arts programme really does focus them and help with recovery. Dance, music and drama can be so therapeutic and can help people to express themselves in a new way.”
What’s coming up?
One workshop already in the pipeline is an open-mic night organised by veteran Shane McConnell, an RAF police dog handler whose career was cut short after he was diagnosed with compartment syndrome – a condition caused by bleeding or swelling within the muscles.
Shane, 36, from Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders, has really benefitted from the Arts programme.
He explained: “I have always enjoyed the theatre and I was in amateur dramatics before I joined up, so having the chance to do something I love is great. The programme means I can get involved with different activities, such as wheelchair dancing and it’s good to try something different for a change.”
In the future, Phoenix House hopes to have a specialist performing arts facility; a huge boost for veterans and serving personnel.
Why not get involved? Contact catterick.enquiries@helpforheroes.org.uk or call 01748 834148 for more information.