Veterans in Action

Healing, Togetherness, and a Brighter Future

Kris Sarabadu by Kris Sarabadu - updated Jul 9, 2024
3 min read
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At the Great British Land Rover show in Bath and West, we were lucky enough to meet with volunteers for Veterans in Action and we felt compelled to share with you the amazing work that they do in supporting veterans to reintegrate into civilian life. At the show, they were exhibiting the awesome Land Rovers that the charity rebuilt as part of ongoing projects working with veterans. Including an incredible Land Rover converted into a fully-fledged kitchen! This is just a snapshot of their work though.

 

So who are Veterans in Action? Glad you asked!

ALIVE: A Beacon of Hope for Veterans

Many veterans struggle to reintegrate into civilian life after serving our country. The ALIVE program, offered by Veterans in Action, provides a lifeline of support and camaraderie. This innovative initiative goes beyond traditional therapy, offering a transformative journey of healing and growth for veterans and their families.

 

A land rover defender converted for Veterans in Action

Over 16 Years of Success A Journey of Healing, Inspired by Personal Experience

Developed over 16 years with veteran input, ALIVE boasts over 1,600 participants. The program prioritizes “helping yourself by helping others,” fostering a supportive environment through shared projects. This unique approach promotes understanding and growth for veterans and their loved ones.

A land rover defender converted for Veterans in Action

A Journey of Healing, Inspired by Personal Experience
The program’s founder, Billy MacLeod, MBE, struggled with traditional therapy after his service. This led him to adopt a successful Wilderness and Adventure Therapy program in Australia. ALIVE prioritizes peer support and self-paced progress, providing a safe space for veterans to heal without the pressure of conventional timelines.

The Power of Community
ALIVE offers a structured yet flexible environment where veterans can build bonds, share experiences, and rediscover their purpose. The program’s effectiveness is evident in the profound transformations seen in participants and their families. These successes highlight the power of solidarity and a supportive community in facilitating healing and growth.

Facing Challenges, Fostering Hope

Despite its successes, veteran suicide remains a harsh reality. ALIVE tackles this challenge head-on, creating memorials for fallen veterans as a symbol of their commitment to fostering a supportive community. The program goes beyond the individual, offering a holistic support system that includes families and extends beyond initial recovery.

Looking Ahead: Sustainable Growth and Community Engagement
The program seeks to expand its reach and deepen its impact. Their goal is a sustainable model to weather financial challenges, ensuring continuous support for veterans. This includes providing ongoing assistance after expeditions, grounding the healing journey in reality for long-term well-being.

How You Can Help
This veteran support program is a testament to the strength of our veterans and a call to action for our community. By donating, spreading the word, or simply offering a listening ear, you can play a vital role. Let’s unite in supporting our veterans, fostering a future where hope and camaraderie lead the way towards healing and unity.

Here at 4×4 tyres, we are proud to try to support the country’s veterans and military personnel, many of whom are tied closely to the world of 4x4s and offroad vehicles. That’s why we offer a military discount (via our Blue Light Discount and why we are happy to highlight the work of charities like Veterans in Action.