Moving Forces Connect supporting Veteran's Mental wellbeing

By GreaterSport | 06 May 2021 | TAGS: Mental health, moving forces, veterans, Adults, Greater Manchester

Army veteran Michael Whitehead took part in GreaterSport’s Moving Forces Connect programme, applying the techniques he learned to his everyday life to benefit his mental wellbeing. 

Finding support through the programme

Moving Forces Connect is part of the Moving Forces programme, which focusses on helping veterans to understand the link between physical and mental health. Connect is five weekly sessions that aims to improve mental fitness and wellbeing with engaging, positive practices and activities to support veterans in their daily lives.

Michael had been a member of the Moving Forces programme for a while, taking part in a range of physical activities such as rock climbing and kayaking. When Connect was advertised, he decided to take part. ‘I thought it may help me to speak to likeminded people,’ says Michael. ‘I was curious to see if others were experiencing the same issues as I was around coping mechanisms, if they had similar feelings, and whether I could learn useful techniques to help me handle a busy, civilian life. I signed up.’

Understanding wellbeing as part of civilian life

The significant difference between life in the armed forces and civilian life is something Michael is keen to stress. ‘In the forces, everything has a purpose, and life is ordered, clean and disciplined,’ explains Michael. ‘Everyone has a role: we get things done, and we look after one another. When you leave, it’s not easy to cope without this aim. We need to learn to adapt to our new lives, but we’re left with little structure and support. That’s where I felt the course could help me.’

Michael found the full course advantageous, but says the work on mindfulness and gratitude really resonated. ‘Writing down the three things I’m grateful for each day is a practice I’ve really taken on board,’ he says. ‘At the end of a tough day, it helps to recalibrate and take the time to refocus, putting things into perspective. I take a minute to shut my eyes, focus on my breathing, and listen to the sounds around me. It calms my mind, and puts me in a good place.’

Strengthening the links between physical and mental health

Michael also explains how the course’s emphasis on the links between physical and mental health, and the Moving Forces Wellbeing programme as a whole, has helped him. ‘Naturally, the sport and fitness side ties into our active army backgrounds,’ Michael says. ‘Yet it’s a real benefit to hear that message of “body fit, mind fit” put into focus. Physical activity has obviously always played a huge part in my life, and linking this to mental health and mindfulness practices has really supported my overall wellbeing.’

Connect has given Michael many coping mechanisms for life outside of the army. ‘It can be difficult to understand the civilian way of doing things after time in the forces: why are people not as respectful, caring and disciplined?’, says Michael. ‘Yet the course has shown me what I need to accept and adapt to in civilian life, and how taking the right approach to my mental wellbeing will help me to better understand others by taking a breath, and focussing on gratitude and the good things around me.’

‘The programme has given me the tools to help me adjust to my new life a little easier, and things have certainly felt better for me since I took part,’ concludes Michael. ‘I looked forward to every session. It’s an absolutely great programme, and I hope it continues so other veterans can benefit like I have.’