Sailing, sewing and surfing: first batch of awards made under the Positive Pathways programme!

December 17, 2019

Surfers on the beach
Surf Action received £70,000 for a two-year project delivering low-impact, high intensity group activities, including surfing, kayaking and shore activities for veterans.

We’re delighted to announce that the first awards have been made from the popular Positive Pathways programme, part of the Veterans’ Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund.

Over £2.5 million has been awarded in the first round to support activities including vehicle restoration, sports for disabled veterans, sailing and sewing!

We’re pleased to have supported projects right across the UK, including Bravehound, in Scotland, a project that will bring veterans and dogs together to walk the West Highland Way as well as take part in dog shows, gardening projects and camping activities. Got a minute? Check out our short video with Mick (and his four-legged best friend Sasha), who talks about the difference having a furry friend can make to the veterans involved with this project.

Surf Action were another group to receive funding, with the group offering low-impact, enjoyable group activities, such as surfing, kayaking, and shore activities, with the assistance of other veterans and professionals.

The group told us: “We’re delighted to receive funding for our ‘Blue Health Recovery Pathway’. This funding will allow us to extend our highly successful ocean/surf therapy and physical/psychological support to the veteran community across Devon and Cornwall. “

A full list of awards made is available here.

The final round of the Positive Pathways programme closes on 6 March 2020. This has been an extremely competitive programme so far, and we expect rounds two and three to be equally competitive.

Already submitted to round two of the fund? You’ll receive your award decision in February 2020.

For more on the Positive Pathways programme, check out our dedicated programme pages and get in touch with our Strategic Partners.