Wayne

Once sceptical, Wayne found quiet strength and reflection alongside fellow veterans- turning the soil and his own past. Wayne is a retired veteran with over four decades of military service. After a difficult transition out of the military, he was initially sceptical about the programme, only joining after encouragement from his wife who framed it as a gardening course.

He was unsure about the relevance of gardening or group work to his life. The gardening activities, peer conversations, and gentle structure gave him practical skills, a sense of purpose, and quietly transformative. Since completing the programme, Wayne has experienced improved emotional regulation, a more positive outlook, and stronger family relationships.

“My family said I am calmer, they see a more relaxed person, I have been able to accept my circumstances and move on from that and build on what I have.”

He also describes it as a vital first step in beginning to process aspects of his past:

“It gave me strength in my mind to deal with the past.”

He now actively recommends the programme to others and believes initiatives like this should be offered during military resettlement. He has expressed interest in supporting future programmes, helping others take that first step as he once did.