Page 131 - Mind, Body and Spirit Online Edition

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BATTLE BACK – BE INSPIRED

Maj (MAA) G C Hendrickson MBE RAPTC

T
he concept behind the use of Sport and Adventurous Training
to aid rehabilitation is one which dates back to at least 1948
and Sir Ludwig Guttman’s creation of the Stoke Mandeville
Games. Battle Back was formally launched on 28 July 2008,

exactly 60 years after Sir Ludwig’s irst Games, set up speciically
for World War II veterans with spinal cord injuries, which ultimately
spawned the modern Paralympic Games. Guttmann believed
that sport was a vital part of therapy, a radical concept at the

time, that helped individuals develop “physical strength” and “self-
respect”. Building on Sir Ludwig Guttmann’s legacy, Battle Back
has improved and formalised the use of Adventurous Training (AT)
and Sport in the aftercare of seriously injured Service personnel

in order to aid their rehabilitation and return to an active life post
rehab.

One of the key elements of the recovery process is the Individual
Recovery Plan which every wounded, injured or sick serviceman

or woman will have. The recovery plan enables an individual to
focus on their outcome either a return to duty or transition to The author on Ex Spider Pig
an appropriately supported civilian life; physical activity is a key
component in recovery.

The Battle Back programmes and activities are designed to
promote conidence and independence in direct support of an
Individual’s Recovery Plan. Regular participation in inclusive sport,

outdoor and other activities can help an individual to focus on
those things they are able to achieve, rather than what they cannot
thereby enhancing the recovery process.

Battle Back is a MOD-led programme which is delivered, funded
and organised in partnership with Help for Heroes, The Royal
British Legion and other Service charities. Battle Back is the term
used to describe an Adaptive Sport and Adventurous Training
programme for wounded, injured and sick personnel from across

the Armed Forces, including mobilised reservists.

Battle Back programmes and activities can be delivered from the
Defence Medical & Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC), The Defence

Adaptive Sport and Adventurous Training Centre (DASATC) the
Personnel Recovery Centres at Tidworth, Catterick, Colchester,
the Naval Service Recovery Centre Plymouth (which also delivers
a bespoke Fortitude programme) as well as at specialist centres

both in the UK and abroad. In addition Adaptive Sports and
Adventurous Training will be in due course delivered from the
Personnel Recovery Centre’s at Edinburgh and Germany.

As I type these notes, sitting in my in-tray and waiting for me next
are my handover notes for Maj Jason Hughes, he is the lucky guy
who will be taking over the reins later this year...how time lies.
As I relect over the past 18 months and my time as 2IC Battle
Back, I can honestly state that without doubt this has been the

most rewarding tour of my career so far and I very much doubt
that any future assignment will come close to how inspired I feel
working closely with the Battle Back Team and more speciically
the Wounded, Injured and Sick Service personnel that I come into

contact with on a daily basis. There have been many memorable
moments during my short time here, watching a double amputee
lead climb for the irst time (a feat that he did not achieve before
he lost his legs I might add), or a PTSD sufferer who thought

he would never be able to get close to or be around weapons
again, spend a day at a shooting range and fully engage with a
clay target shooting session are a couple that will stay with me for
many years to come. Not only has this post been truly inspirational

and rewarding, it has also been the most humbling experience of
my life. If any Corps Oficer is searching for a job that is slightly
off piste to the norm, Battle Back may just be the place for you, I
guarantee you will not be disappointed.
CSgt Danny Spender on Ex Spider Pig