THE FIRST health and wellbeing course for veterans at a Help for Heroes recovery centre has been hailed a great success.

Kelly Bostock, rehabilitation support co-ordinator at Phoenix House recovery centre in Catterick Garrison, organised the week of activities and workshops for a specially-selected group of ten veterans who were ready to make positive changes in their lives but who are not yet ready to take on marathons.

Ms Bostock said the programme included cookery skills, yoga, pilates, woodland walks and wheelchair basketball – and said she believed the veterans have learnt valuable skills that can help improve their lives.

“I have seen such a change in the veterans who have taken part in the course," she said. "It was full-on from the start but as the week progressed they have been really engaging, asking questions, and growing in confidence.

“I had around 25 veterans apply to take part in the course and I chose those who I thought were at the right stage of their recovery to fully advantage from it.

“The others are on a list for the next course. I hope to run another three or four this year, and the other Help for Heroes recovery centres around the country will also hopefully copy the format.”

David Hubber from Ripon hoped to be able to change his way of life after the course, to eat more healthily and lose weight but also to be able to pass on things that he learned to other people and therefore help them too.

He said: “I have learned more about nutrition than I have ever known before, and the afternoon at Thorpe Perrow was fantastic – so calming.”

To find out more about what Phoenix House can offer wounded, injured and sick veterans and service personnel, contact 01748-834148.