Page 70 - Bugle Autumn 2024

AARP
THERAPY.
WHAT IS IT?
There are many misconceptions about what therapy is. When you think of therapy, you would be forgiven for imagining a dark quiet room and a comfortable sofa, eyes closed whilst listening to the wise but dulcet tones of an aging doctor. But the truth is, therapy often looks nothing like that.
Fortunately, the AARP secured the services of five mental health professionals, all of whom have been part of our regimental family at some stage during their lives: Two Doctors
of Psychology, two hugely experienced CBT/ EMDR therapists and one life and wellbeing therapist. Uniquely, each member of the team has specific skills that suit nearly every kind of mental health challenge.
Yet the programme has learned that their expertise alone is insufficient if the
aspiration is full recovery. As a result, the AARP continues to furnish itself with a broad range of activities that have therapeutic value. We know that talking is critical to recovery. We also know that sobriety and abstinence are core components of a successful recovery but acknowledge that, they have limited impact if employed in isolation.
The AARP’s greatest strength is its agility to physically mount an intervention and
stop suicide. Equally as important, is the understanding that the AARP is best placed to facilitate a recovery through physical activity. And it goes without saying that the more interesting the activity, the greater desire to participate. Additionally, the more challenging the activity, the greater the reward. As a result of three years trial and error, we know that therapy comes in all shapes and sizes, and variations are critical to recovery.
We have previously advertised the success of equine therapy. Participants build trusted relationships with horses, gain new skills, achieve new qualifications and thus improve self-esteem. But remarkably, horses seem
to intuitively understand the emotional and physical needs of the participants. This unexplained phenomenon is undeniable, but most highly effective.
Exclusive to the AARP is an innovative programme called Ex BOLD STONE. Based on a unifying purpose, recovering Riflemen clean the headstones of fallen soldiers, regardless of conflict, heritage or cause of death. This activity fosters a sense of duty, selflessness, and an opportunity to reflect on personal experiences and challenges. The therapeutic value is remarkable and often heightened by
As a result of three years trial and error, we know that therapy comes in all shapes and sizes, and variations are critical to recovery
researching the life of the soldier whose final resting place is being cleaned.
The latest variant therapy is Ex BOLD WATER, an adventure in sailing. The tranquillity of open water provides a reflective space for Riflemen to contemplate their journeys. Sailing requires teamwork, building confidence and discipline, and helping participants realise their self-worth. Most significant is the sense of belongingness, underpinned by the close-knit team demands.
Ex BOLD REST, conceived by Mike and Kim Shaw, parents of Rfn Shaw (4RIFLES) offers a beautiful guest house in Albufeira, Portugal. It provides a safe, clean, and loving environment conducive to self-therapy. Here, participants can reflect on the recovery tools provided
by AARP clinical professionals and plan their personal recovery journeys with the support of the Shaws.
In essence, the AARP’s multifaceted approach to therapy demonstrates that recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process. It requires a combination of professional guidance, engaging activities, and supportive environments to truly facilitate healing and growth.
Ex BOLD WALK
Retired Major Martin George undertook an extraordinary journey in memory of his son, Lt. Max George of 5 RIFLES. Covering the length and breadth of the UK, Martin visited the home base of each regular battalion, walking 700 kilometres in 16 days and concluding at Bulford on the second anniversary of Max’s death.
The support for Martin was phenomenal. On the first day, most
of 3 RIFLES started the long march with him, and the CO of 2 RIFLES accompanied Martin from Lisburn to Belfast. Remarkably, 1 RIFLES managed to support his South West phase remotely from Cyprus. Every day, Martin was joined by friends and family, including General Sir Patrick Sanders. On the final leg, Delta Dogs of 5 RIFLES (Max’s Company) escorted Martin, Viv, and Claudia from Shrewton to Bulford. The effort raised just under £12,000, which will be used to support bereaved families of The Rifles.
MISSION HAM AND JAM
General Sir Bob Pascoe KCB MBE and Brigadier David Innes OBE DL presented Mission Ham and Jam supporters
with a special addition Royal Mint commemorative coin and congratulated them for their enduring support for
the regiment. The £55,000 raised
by Richie Davis and his Chief Fund Raiser, Sharon Thormer will be spent supporting the most seriously ill soldiers of the regimental family. The 30 strong veterans’ group were greeted by The Salamanca Band at Pegasus Bridge shortly after midday on the 6th June after walking the full length of the D Day beach landings.
70 RIFLES The Bugle