Camping equipment donated to Veterans Peer Support

Camping equipment worth thousands of pounds has been donated to a Devon charity which helps serving and former military personnel overcome trauma.

Veterans Peer Support approached the charity of the Exeter Chiefs, the Exeter Foundation, for a grant towards buying the kit. This was bolstered by camping retailer Go Outdoors, who supplied tents, sleeping bags and accessories at a significant discount.

Now, up to 12 people at a time will be able to embark on camping trips and holidays.

A spokesman for VPS said the organisation was delighted with the donation.

“To some this may look like a pile of camping equipment but to our members it represents so much more. This kit will allow them to get away with families, fellow sufferers or even on their own. It will give them the solace they so often need.”

VPS supports veterans and serving personnel who suffer from PTSD and associated mental health issues, by peer-to-peer outreach sessions.

The work is carried out in association Devon Partnership NHS Trust and all of the charity’s volunteer outreach workers are trained to recognised standards.

All volunteers have served, or had strong links with the military and many are PTSD sufferers themselves.

Chairman of the Exeter Foundation, Tony Rowe OBE, said the trustees were delighted to have been able to help the veterans.

“We all felt this was such a deserving cause and the donation will help very many people,” he added.

“We wish Veterans Peer Support all the very best. They are doing a fantastic job and long may that continue.”

The camping equipment will be available to all veterans in Devon for a small charge and by contacting Phill on 07568 393711.

 

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