Introduction
Our mission is clear: to heal the invisible wounds of war. The battlefield may be behind us, but the fight for mental and physical wellness continues at home. Our goal is to secure a space where this fight can turn into a journey of healing and strength.
Plymouth
Plymouth has always been a city proud of its military heritage. Yet, beneath the surface of this pride lies a profound need — a need for support systems tailored to our veterans. While specific local data may be scarce, the stories I've encountered and the people I've spoken to paint a picture of a community in urgent need of our services.
The Warrior within project UK
The Need for Support
Statistics show a troubling trend among our veterans — a silent battle with mental health that often goes unnoticed. From a study spanning over two decades, involving more than 458,000 veterans, 1,086 have tragically lost their lives to suicide. This rate is alarmingly high among our younger veterans, those under 25, who face a suicide rate 2-4 times higher than their civilian peers. Here in Plymouth, with our rich military history, the impact is not just a statistic; it's a reality for many families and communities.
Founder's Story
My journey to founding Warrior Within was not planned; it was necessitated by the struggles I encountered after my twenty six year tenure in a frontline Cavalry unit — struggles I understood personally. Witnessing friends and fellow servicemen and women grappling with the aftermath of their service, I knew something had to be done. It became my mission to create a sanctuary for healing, a place where no veteran feels alone in their fight.
Proposed Solution: A Sanctuary for Healing
Our proposed facilities are more than just buildings; they are beacons of hope. Through counseling, we aim to offer a safe space for mental healing. Muay Thai and meditation will serve as outlets for physical exertion and mental clarity, while cold water therapy promises rejuvenation and resilience. Each program is a step toward recovery, grounded in both science and compassion.
Sustainability and Expansion
Sustainability is at the core of our vision. Through community partnerships, fundraising, and potential government support, we aim to establish a model that not only thrives in Plymouth but can be replicated nationwide, and eventually, internationally. Our ambition is to create a legacy of support for veterans everywhere — a network of Warrior Within sanctuaries.
The Impact
The stories of transformation I've witnessed are a testament to the power of targeted support. Veterans finding peace after years of turmoil, families reunited with hope — these are the impacts we aim to multiply. Our vision for Plymouth is not just about helping veterans; it's about uplifting the entire community, reducing the instances of homelessness, substance abuse, and suicide, and fostering an environment of support and understanding.
Call to Action
I urge you, the representatives of our local authority, to join us in this mission. Your support in providing a space for Warrior Within can be the catalyst for change, the first step in building a community where veterans and their families feel valued, understood, and supported. Let's honor the sacrifices of our servicemen and women by giving them the sanctuary for healing they deserve.
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Conclusion
In closing, I want to thank you for the opportunity to share the vision of Warrior Within. The journey of healing is long, but with your support, we can ensure it's a journey no veteran has to walk alone. Together, let's build a legacy of compassion and strength right here in Plymouth, a legacy that echoes across the UK and beyond.
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© 2022 The Warrior within Project Plymouth
