FUNDING FROM the Army Central Fund is being used to grow a scheme that helps Army spouses and partners into careers on the land.
Rural Weeks for Army Spouses offers a taste of different sectors with visits to farms and gardens, presentations by industry experts and advice on suitable courses.
It’s run by HighGround and is a response to the Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey, which found that the career challenges faced by spouses are a significant factor influencing Army retention.
The charity already operates a similar programme for ex-military personnel and Reservists, helping them to find new opportunities in areas like food production, forestry and landscaping.
Chief Executive Jamie Crisp said: “We have seen how transformational our Rural Weeks can be for serving members of the Armed Forces and are very excited to bring the same opportunity to spouses and partners.”
The grant is also backing HighGround’s horticultural therapy programme at Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Stanford Hall, where it provides psychological and physical therapeutic benefits.
Find out more at highground-uk.org