MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY

The Retreat will be a uniquely non-militarised, holistic safe haven to help current and former members of the Armed Forces recover their mental health and happier lives.

A holistic approach to mental health

As a mental health charity, Head Up's goal is to reduce the number of suicides within the military community. We will do this by empowering people to turn things around before their issues have the chance to become life-threatening. By creating a unique, holistic countryside retreat, we will enable guests to take a step away from military or post-military life, and learn life-skills to allow them to deal with mental health issues, and access the support they need. Seven-day residential courses will provide personalised mental-health support for serving and retired members of the Army, RAF, Navy, and Royal Marines, including all reservists.

We will catch those at risk of falling through the cracks in current provision.

DONATE TO THE RETREAT CAMPAIGN

A non-militarised haven

By design, The Retreat will have a non-militarised atmosphere: no triggering forces paraphernalia, photographs, uniforms or hierarchies. A calm, natural and luxurious environment will help guests feel welcome and valued, and give them space to work on their mindset and learn new skills for challenging negative thought and behaviours.

No official diagnosis is required

Although guests can be recommended to us by military organisations, mental health charities, the NHS, and businesses who employ veterans, they can also self-refer. This is a real point of difference from most other services. And guests won't have to pay a penny to access Head Up's services. We don't want money worries putting off anyone who would benefit from our help.

Kepi International

We have been working very hard behind the scenes to ensure our life saving and transforming retreat will be built in good time, in the most efficient and effective way.

We are very happy to announce our partnership with Kepi International Solutions Ltd. Owner and former Royal Engineer officer Craig Carmichael, has agreed to help us in every aspect of the build. From designs and timescales to planning permissions and the build itself!

We are currently seeking suitable land to develop our retreat. Keep checking in with us via our website and social media pages for future updates.

We have a full business plan in place for The Retreat and all that is remaining is funding.

If anyone wishes to see our business plan please get in touch.

Kepi International Solutions Ltd group photo

Charity Number: 1195443

To help our mental health charity promoting awareness for UK Armed Forces, please visit our donation page.

Some of the Positive Mindset Methods we Teach and Encourage

Nutrition & Fitness
This workshop will focus on understanding the importance of nutrition and how it affects our mental health. It will examine the scientific basis for how diet and mental health are intrinsic, and also provide coaching on how to make nutritious meals quickly and on a budget.

Hormones
Understanding hormones is key to maintaining mental health. Hormonal imbalances caused by stress are often overlooked as causes of mental illness, and by enabling guests to identify and address these imbalances, it allows them to attain mental health on a level playing field.

Meditation
Many former combat personnel might not consider meditation as being a thing for them, or being helpful towards wellbeing. Many people find it highly calming and relaxing, and a source of inner peace. Guests at The Retreat can learn and partake in a new form of meditation every day.

Therapies
The Retreat will employ a number of non-traditional therapies, including animal therapy, music therapy, cold water therapy, and red light therapy. We intend to foster a therapy dog from a nearby shelter, which will give guests a welcome companion for their stay.

Law of Attraction
The Law of Attraction is a mindset where positive thoughts result in positive outcomes. By imagining oneself achieving goals, and envisioning plans towards those goals, this philosophy is said to help people achieve their wildest dreams.

Stoicism
This philosophy was first described by the Ancient Greeks. It is a system of ethics and personal values, where behaving in a moral way brings about happiness, enabling the believer to disregard suffering and the stresses inherent in the material world.

Anger Management
Many people struggling with mental health suffer from problems around anger. The Retreat shall offer a detailed and in-depth class on anger management, enabling guests to control their emotions and actions in the heat of the moment.

Personal Development & Emotional Intelligence
This class will enable guests to become aware of their physical, intellectual, social, and emotional progress and growth. By identifying strengths and weaknesses, and how they align with personal goals, you can then break down your progress to more manageable objectives.

Morning and Evening Routines
The Law of Attraction is a mindset where positive thoughts result in positive outcomes. By imagining oneself achieving goals, and envisioning plans towards those goals, this philosophy is said to help people achieve their wildest dreams.

Aftercare package with Swiss 8

We have an 18-month aftercare package already in place. Partnering with another Armed Forces charity known as 'Swiss 8' who are synergised with what we are trying to achieve.

What is Swiss 8?

Swiss 8 is a health promotion charity founded by Combat Veterans. Using Veteran lived experience, they build proactive mental health programs and tools for Veterans, Corporates and Clubs.

With a team of veterans that have experienced disconnection, loss of identity, loss of purpose, anxiety and depression. Swiss 8 aim to take this lived experience to create programs that assist in building a healthy, high performing lifestyle.

VISIT SWISS 8

Swiss 8 Promo

Charity Number: 1195443

If you can provide physical or material support for our charity promoting mental health awareness for UK Armed Forces, email us today.

Mental Health Support For UK Military Personnel in UK and Hertfordshire