Supporting Wounded Veterans (SWV) give wounded veterans, through a series of rehabilitation, pain management, mentoring and educational programmes, the chance to regain their independence, come back to themselves and their loved ones and transition back to civilian life and ultimately meaningful employment.

The charity has over a 95% success rate at getting medically discharged veterans back into employment, and uses ground breaking physical and psychological care to do this.

In March 2025 I am honoured to be joining the ski week with 25 veterans which is just the start of their rehabilitation. Over the week, I will be buddied with a few veterans in a ski group and throughout the week will help them wherever needed and support the adaptive ski instructors. This may mean gathering their kit, helping them up from a tumble, being a good listener or just letting them talk.

A number of the veterans taking part in this week are currently in the grips of severe PTSD and so will likely need help overcoming crippling anxiety with compassion and reassurance. Alongside this support, the role of a buddy is also to help provide them with a fun and unforgettable week.

The week is just the start of the veteran’s road to recovery and this is where SWV is completely unique. Their journey has only just begun. From here, SWV will provide mentoring, pain management and psychological help, all with the aim of getting veterans into meaningful civilian employment.

It is difficult to think of a more deserving group of people who have served their country and now need us to give support back to them.