Mental health issues have always existed, but have not always been recognised. We are fortunate that, in the 21st century, awareness is increasing and perceptions are changing. Despite the progress of the preceding decades, many veterans still struggle everyday with the mental and physical impacts of their service. Here at Waterloo Uncovered, we use heritage and archaeology, combined with veteran support delivered by our expert Wellbeing Team, to help those who have served their country when they need it the most.
Show your support for veterans and serving personnel by taking on a challenge, and help veterans take their first steps towards recovery as they transition back into civilian life. All money raised will go towards our five unique veteran support programmes, providing year-round wellbeing support.
Whether you are an experienced reenactor, a history enthusiast or simply want to support the cause - anyone can take part! All you have to do is dress in historical clothing (be it a past military uniform, a period fancy dress costume, a vintage outfit or even a bedsheet-toga) and take on a fun sponsored challenge of your own choosing, with the aim to raise funds for Waterloo Uncovered's five support programmes. Once you've picked your challenge, why not challenge a friend, reenactment group or a serviceperson you know to take part too?
Your sponsored challenge can be anything you can think of, for example:
- A penalty shootout between Saxons and Norsemen
- Hosting a pub quiz in Napoleonic kit
- Running an egg and spoon race as a Roman Centurion
- Going through your normal daily routine dressed as a Knight
- Getting your whole school, workplace or town to dress in their best historical kit
- Running 10k in a toga
- Walking to a local beauty spot in full Victorian garb
Let your imagination run wild!
Make sure to post about your challenge online with the hashtag #ReenactForVeterans, tag your friends and mention Waterloo Uncovered to spread the message!
Direct donations are, of course, also welcome.
There are several ways to raise money as part of the Reenact For Veterans campaign - either make a direct donation via the blue 'Give Now' button to help us reach our target, or make a fundraising page in one simple click using our template by clicking the orange 'Start Fundraising' button, and ask your friends and family to sponsor you!
There are plenty of ways to get the word out. You can call or email your friends and family, ask your colleagues to sponsor you, or post about your challenge on social media. Make sure you use the hashtag #ReenactForVeterans and tag us on social media so we can thank you and share the amazing work you are doing to support us. We're @digwaterloo on Twitter, @waterloo_uncovered on Instagram and Waterloo Uncovered on Facebook.
Waterloo Uncovered combines archaeology and education with veteran care and recovery. All funds raised will go towards the cost of the five veteran support programmes we are running in 2022, to support as many veterans and serving personnel as possible.
These programmes combine year round wellbeing support with archaeology, creative arts, education, and social activities to improve wellbeing and combat loneliness, in order to support recovery and transition into civilian life. Find out more here.
* Charities pay a small fee for our service. Find out how much it is and what we do for it.
