The Royal British Legion (RBL) invited Launchpad to their Battle Back Centre in Lilleshall, over the summer.
The week-long residential was an opportunity for staff and the 12 residents from all three houses to benefit from the facilities and activities Battle Back provides.
Battle Back is an adaptive sport and adventurous training programme for wounded, injured and sick personnel from across the Armed Forces, including mobilised reservists. It is a Ministry of Defence initiative, delivered in partnership with Help for Heroes and the RBL.
The centre creates a dynamic and enjoyable learning environment that promotes success at the personal, interpersonal and organisational levels. Participants in the programme will increase their self-confidence, gain motivation, improve their ability to deal with stress and develop a positive mental attitude. The aim is to learn to focus on what they can do – not what they cannot do.
It was also the first chance residents from Avondale House, Hollyacre House and Speke House all came together and participated in activities and supported each other.
Throughout the week, they participated in one-to-one and group activities and coaching sessions. Activities included indoor climbing, wheelchair basketball and badminton, archery, green bowls, walks, mountain biking and cycling and they also got to see the Great Britain Olympic gymnastics team going through their final preparations before heading to Paris.
Hollyacre House resident, Reece said: “The week away at Battle Back has been an inspiring and eye-opening time for myself helping me get out of my own shell communicating and expressing issues I deal with making me feel welcome. The staff were amazing with activities making it accessible with everyone; this has helped and benefitted me for the better.”
Arron from Avondale House, said: “I know this might sound extreme, but this course has honestly been life-changing for me and the fact that staff came with us and completed the course has only made my respect for these guys go through the roof. But I would also 100% be comfortable confiding in them in the future, which is a big thing for me as I do not open up all normally. I have been blown away by this week. It has given me so much more than I could have wished for.”
Richard from Speke House, said: “My time at Battle Back has been absolutely amazing. It has brought me out of my comfort zone because I was scared of heights and doing the wall climb has made me feel that I am better with heights and the whole week has been the best thing I have done in a long time. I would recommend others to do Battle Back.
“I have met some great friends and would love to thank all the staff members for an amazing week and for them helping me get over my fear of heights and 100% would love to come back. Thank you.”
Rob Lockyer, Facilities Co-ordinator at Speke House attended. He said: “The fact that all Launchpad staff partook in every single evolution as a course member rather than standing back as an observer, was a key element of what made it work so very well.
“This helped the Battle Back coaching staff immeasurably and very much helped residents relax and feel at ease opening-up. This was particularly noticeable when Launchpad staff joined in the physical elements and contributed a great deal when the emotive elements were brought to the fore.
“The Battle Back coaches were outstanding throughout, kept the course safe, well briefed and always remained professional and non-judgemental.”
Phil Thompson, Manager of both Avondale House and Hollyacre House also attended Battle Back. He said: “It was a great week. All of the residents have expressed how grateful they are to Launchpad and Battle Back, it was the first time residents from all three houses participated in an activity and jelled well, supporting each other throughout the week.
“The organisation, administration, briefs, liaison with RBL, and the co-ordination between all three houses worked well. The activities provided by Battle Back were a vehicle for conversation around mindfulness, self-esteem, self-awareness and purpose which were professionally delivered.
“I personally gained a lot from the week and I hope this will be the first of many visits to Battle Back for Launchpad’s staff and residents.”