A new pilot programme aimed at supporting Army spouses and partners into employment and improving wellbeing has been launched by HighGround, backed by funding from Army Central Fund.
The initiative will introduce dedicated “Rural Weeks” in 2026, designed specifically for spouses and partners of serving Army personnel. The programme responds to ongoing findings from the Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey, which highlights employment challenges for partners as a key factor affecting retention.
Participants will take part in training, career coaching, site visits and networking opportunities, alongside wellbeing-focused activities delivered in partnership with land-based colleges. The aim is to help build confidence and provide practical pathways into flexible careers within the land-based sector.
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HighGround chief executive Jamie Crisp said the charity has already seen the impact of similar programmes for serving personnel and is now extending that support to families.
Funding from the Army Central Fund will also support the continuation of HighGround’s horticultural therapy programme at Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Stanford Hall, providing clinically integrated support for personnel recovering from injury or illness.
Caroline Crewe-Read, director of the Army Central Fund, said the partnership reflects a focus on initiatives that improve wellbeing while also supporting long-term stability within Army life.
The pilot will be used to assess how targeted support for spouses and partners can improve access to meaningful employment and contribute to retention across the Army community.
