Growing Futures to Help Royal Navy and Royal Marines veterans build new beginnings

Royal Navy and Royal Marines veterans transitioning to civilian life will benefit from an innovative new programme designed to improve wellbeing, rebuild confidence and create pathways into employment.

Funded by Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) and delivered by the Defence Gardens Scheme in partnership with The Poppy Factory, Growing Futures will help veterans successfully navigate life beyond Service.

Leaving the Armed Forces can be a significant period of change. For many veterans, adjusting to civilian routines, finding meaningful employment and maintaining wellbeing can all become barriers to a successful transition. National research continues to show that many Service leavers are concerned about their future employment opportunities, while others find it difficult to translate the skills and experience gained during military service into civilian careers.

Growing Futures has been developed to address these challenges through a practical, holistic approach that puts wellbeing first while supporting veterans towards long-term employment and financial stability.

"We are delighted to be funding Growing Futures, an innovative and practical way to learn new skills at the same time of preparing for new career opportunities, while maintaining or improving mental fitness through the great outdoors and meeting others. Defence Gardening Schemes have great partnerships in place to deliver what’s needed -The Gordon Messenger Centre is a wonderful environment for this course - and we hope the project will prove beneficial to all who take part” - Mandy Harding, Head of Commissioned Grants at RNRMC

Delivered by the Defence Gardens Scheme in partnership with The Poppy Factory, the programme will run over 12 months at the Gordon Messenger Centre. Participants will take part in monthly horticultural therapy workshops in the June Best Sanctuary Garden, where practical gardening activities will provide a welcoming environment to improve mental wellbeing, build confidence and reconnect with others who understand the transition journey.

Each workshop will be led by a Social and Therapeutic Horticulturalist and supported by Employment Consultants from The Poppy Factory. Designed to support up to 20 members of the Armed Forces community at each session, the programme has a particular focus on Royal Navy and Royal Marines veterans seeking employment support.

Alongside the group workshops, veterans will receive personalised employment guidance, including one-to-one support to identify transferable skills, strengthen CVs, prepare for interviews and access meaningful employment opportunities. Individual support will continue beyond the pilot programme, helping participants maintain momentum as they move towards sustainable civilian careers.

The programme also recognises the value of community and shared experience. By bringing veterans together in a supportive environment, Growing Futures aims to reduce isolation, rebuild confidence and create lasting peer networks, helping participants feel connected and supported throughout their transition journey.

Workshops will be delivered on the first Tuesday of each month. There is no requirement to commit to a set number of these workshops, so beneficiaries are welcome to attend one or 12 if needed.

"DGS is delighted to launch Growing Futures in partnership with The Poppy Factory and Gordon Messenger Centre. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to supporting veterans through a combination of nature-based wellbeing activities, community connection and practical employment guidance. By working together, we will create opportunities for participants to build confidence, develop skills and take positive steps towards the next chapter of their lives." - Helen Bridle, DGS Grants & Partnerships Manager

As a pilot programme, Growing Futures will explore how combining wellbeing support, community connection and employability guidance can improve outcomes for veterans transitioning from military to civilian life. Learning from the project will help inform future delivery and support the development of effective, evidence-based approaches to veteran transition support.

If you are a Royal Navy or Royal Marines veteran interested in learning more about Growing Futures, please contact GDS for enquiries and booking here: 

[email protected]