England
The Eden Project
Home to the dedicated Vounder Therapy Garden; set to one side of the Eden complex, it has its own access, creating a dedicated entry point to those joining the DGS Programme.
The Eden Project was developed on the site of an abandoned quarry, work started in the late 1990’s and has continued to develop and evolve into the iconic biodomes and green spaces we are now so familiar with.
The partnership between DGS and Eden has been ongoing since 2023, and is a truly great example of a DGS Hub garden; based on collaboration and trust.
Royal Hospital Chelsea
The primary purpose of the Veterans Outreach programme is to reduce social isolation and loneliness in older veterans, particularly those over the age of 65, who served in the three Armed Forces and Merchant Navy. The programme operates from facilities already at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, including the purpose-built Activities Centre, the adjacent Outreach, Heritage and Visitor Centre, and extensive grounds and gardens that provide the health and wellbeing benefits of urban green spaces.
It is in the garden that DGS offer our Cultivate and Connect supported activity groups, including themed monthly workshops and monthly drop-in sessions.
This is active aging at its peak and you do not have to be a resident to enjoy all the garden has to offer.
Thrive Together London
The Poppy Factory leads the Thrive Together programme in London, uniting partners to strengthen support for the capital’s Armed Forces community. Funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, Thrive Together builds on the success of the previous Veterans Places, Pathways and People programme, which established strong connections with organisations supporting veterans and their families.
DGS are developing collaborative projects that provide easy access to activities which promote improved wellbeing and offer pathways for onward referral to specialist services. Thrive Together is delivering meaningful improvements in wellbeing, community integration, and access to support for veterans who live or work in London. Please see our events page for the latest DGS delivery in London.
Thrive Together South West
The Invictus Games Foundation’s previous delivery of the Veterans’ Places, Pathways and People programme (2021-24) focused on mental health and assisting positive transitions from military to civilian life. They are excited to continue this work, now as a part of the Thrive Together programme, to ensure longevity and consistency in support for Veterans and the wider Armed Forces community in the South West. The Invictus Games Foundation’s approach will aim to increase coordination, facilitate ease of access and continuity of support within networks for the Armed Forces community, while exploring ways to reach underserved groups such as families.
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is a leading charity in Wiltshire and Swindon working to achieve nature’s recovery and connect people with nature. With over 40 nature reserves covering over 1,372 hectares (c. 3,392 acres), the Trust protects some of Wiltshire’s most important meadows, downland, woods, fen and valuable chalk habitats. Most of their nature reserves have open public access, allowing people to benefit from nature through enhanced wellbeing and learning opportunities.
Wild Transitions is a unique suite of programmes, that provides a bespoke nature-based therapy experience for Armed Forces service leavers and veterans who are looking to manage their mental health and improve their overall wellbeing. Each 10-week programme is designed to help participants reconnect with nature and develop a range of skills, including forest gardening, green woodworking and woodland management.