Lothians Veterans Centre’s Female Veterans’ Wilderness Weekend

Pauline Cherrington, Lothians Veterans Centre

They offer mental health and wellness support in unique ways, and they do so through activities such as weekend camps, wilderness retreats and recalibration programs. LVC just happened to be looking for an outdoor activity for female veterans when Op Cairngorms mentioned they had designed a retreat specifically for women, so after a brief conversation the concept of a totally off-grid weekend retreat for female veterans was born. In all honesty, Pip’s promise of lots of cakes and coffee
throughout the weekend sealed the deal.

The women fully embraced the whole weekend which was planned to perfection in the tranquility of the countryside and beautiful woodland with relaxation and recalibration in mind. “Just being able to switch off our mobile phones was bliss

As well as the Lothians, female veterans from Arbroath, Ayrshire, Elgin and Gourock joined the retreat organised by LVC. The group was made up of ex-servicewomen from the Navy and Army and whilst some women arrived as strangers, they all left as friends with new lasting friendships being formed and old ones rekindled.

“I felt myself starting to relax pretty much the minute I got in the car to travel up as I knew I was off to do something for me.” Stu, Pip and the rest of the team at Op Cairngorms offer a wealth of support to serving personnel, reservists and veterans to reconnect, rediscover, and rebuild through camaraderie, peer support, and practical skills in the outdoors.

The more adventurous of them camped in tree tents whilst others slept in bell tents and yurts which were a cosier option as the September weather was changing and becoming colder.
“Expectations had been made clear from the outset: this was a weekend to embrace the outdoors, be prepared for rustic living, and look after one’s own health needs, especially for those managing ongoing conditions.”

The group was able to try activities such as axe throwing; a crossbow range; woodland walks; mindfulness in nature; log splitting; wood carving; making daisy balm and Conker soap; making and baking bread on the campfire; wild swimming; fire lighting; bushcraft; and making nordic braids and survival bracelets. The women enjoyed taking part in the varied, well-planned activities, some of which were completely new experiences for some women.

They found the activities therapeutic, taking pride in trying new things, learning new skills and making keepsakes that they will “cherish forever”. There was never any pressure or judgement if anyone didn’t want to join in and there was always a plentiful supply of hot beverages and delicious homemade cakes round the campfire for those that wanted to just sit and relax and take time out – true to her word Pip came good on her promise!

The food, which was mostly prepared and cooked by Pip, was tasty, nutritious, and plentiful and the many communal alfresco meals were enjoyed by everyone. This was not a weekend for limiting food intake and losing weight – the food was too delicious and so were the cakes! Everyone mucked in to help set the table and clear up afterwards and the washing up was also a team effort.

The opportunity to bond in nature and come together as a group of female veterans round the campfire was heartening and the exservicewomen found “companionship and support at every turn”. Their shared experiences and stories also brought with them a silent yet familiar camaraderie amongst the group.

Stepping away from the daily grind of 24/7 lifestyles and pressures was the “perfect medicine” for these inspirational exservicewomen as they found some peace from the “rollercoaster” of life. “It’s so easy to get caught up in your head that you forget you’re living” so just being able to be yourself in a supportive, non-judgmental, safe environment gave everyone the chance to reflect on just how much they achieve as women every day.

Thank you Pip, Stu and Op Cairngorms