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Op CONNECT

Supporting veterans in the North East, North West and Scotland to get active and involved in their communities

Creating new community connections

We know ex-service personnel can find it tough to connect after they’ve served in the military. That’s why we’ve developed Op CONNECT, giving ex-Forces personnel based in the North East, North West and Scotland the chance to meet with veterans, get active and get involved in their communities.  

Veterans can take part in different activities throughout the year. Each activity is designed to tackle social exclusion, and support physical health, and mental health and well-being.

Without Walking With The Wounded's programmes and activities in Scotland, I probably wouldn't be here today. I plan to continue attending activities every chance I get to keep my mental health on a level par.

Robert, veteran and Forces to Fishing participant

Activities veterans are a part of:

Wellness Walks 

Spending time in nature can make a real difference with mental health problems such as anxiety, stress and depression. Our Wellness Walks are an opportunity for veterans to meet on a monthly basis, keeping them connected to others, and encouraging physical exercise in the outdoors. We tailor the walks to suit the capabilities of the group.  

Forces to Fishing Angling 

Research shows fishing can have a positive effect on improving the mental health of veterans, including on conditions such as PTSD. For veterans finding it hard to integrate, the Veterans Angling project is helping decrease social isolation and improve the mental and physical health and wellbeing in the veteran community.  

WWTW Social Hub 

WWTW Social Hub provides a safe and supportive space for veterans to visit and spend time with others. Available every fortnight and facilitated at our regional hub locations, veterans who are at risk of social isolation can visit, talk to other veterans, and get advice and guidance from our partners on mental health, employment and social care and welfare.

Veterans' Mess 

Following the same model as our Social Hub, WWTW Veterans' Mess will provide the space and opportunity for veterans to visit, meet other veterans and get informal but professional advice and guidance from our partners. Veterans' Mess is open once a month on a weekday evening, facilitated at our WWTW regional hub locations where possible. 

A team of footballers from Glasgow holding a WWTW branded Union Jack in front of goal posts A group of veterans taking part in an archery class A group of veterans at the top of a mountain during the Cumbrian Challenge event Someone being taught to rock climb on a training wall A group of veterans fishing A football team during a tournament holding a WWTW flag A group of people camping in a forest in front of a log fire with a kettle