We were commissioned by a regional charity named Veteran’s Growth, who wanted impactful and high quality footage for their nomination and acceptance videos for the Soldiering On Awards 2021, in the category of Healthcare and Rehabilitation.

The commission involved capturing high quality landscape and abstract shots, as well as multiple interviews with those involved in the work of the charity - both those running the charity and its beneficiaries.

Video that didn’t make the final cut may be used in the future for further projects and case studies at Veteran’s Growth.

Watch the final piece below and wish Veteran’s Growth the best of luck in their nomination:

ORIGINAL TEXT BELOW FROM SOLDIERING ON AWARDS PAGE AT X FORCES

This award honours a person or team that has demonstrated a major commitment and contribution in support of the physical or mental welfare of serving or former members of the Armed Forces community. This may be through healthcare, therapeutic treatment or rehabilitation services and support.

 Jason Stevens, CEO of Veterans’ Growth, is a former Army soldier. He was medically discharged from the MOD in 2016 after a stroke left him with disabilities and PTSD.

During his rehabilitation, Jason spent many hours gardening in Headley Court and recognised the benefits of horticulture for mental health. He subsequently opened a plant shop in Hastings with his business partner, Sarah Wilson. Mindful of the increasing number of veterans taking their own lives, and the proven benefits of horticultural therapy, they set up Veterans’ Growth in December 2019.

Veterans’ Growth offers horticultural training to veterans, including habitat construction for birds and insects, planting and harvesting. There’s also animal husbandry, using two pigs that were saved from slaughter during lockdown.

“Veterans gain in self-confidence from attending the courses, and report improved mental health, happiness and resilience. Attendees also learn new skills, independent living, and healthy eating.”

 With a five-acre plot near Hastings that is partially cared for by volunteers, Jason and Sarah often work seven days a week to run the charity. Despite lockdown, Veterans’ Growth supported 56 veterans in 2020 as they delivered training online and dispatched ‘Grow At Home Kits’ in order to avoid breaks in support.

The impact to the veteran community has been immense. In addition to providing a non-judgemental and good-humoured environment, Veterans’ Growth has provided one homeless veteran with on-site accommodation, and successfully secured funds to renovate accommodation for another veteran. It is one of the few charities to accept self-referrals, and receives referrals from the NHS and local charities, including SSAFA and RBL.

“The charity is literally ‘best in its field’!”