BRITISH Army veterans completed a new pilot course in the Yorkshire Dales aimed to address the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged ex-soldiers from across the UK.

The Veteran Self Build course draws veterans away from social exclusion and, working alongside mental health professionals, individuals are coached to develop their own strategies and pathways to identify the support that they need to tackle issues such as homelessness, criminality, substance misuse and alcoholism.

Based in a 14 bed bunkhouse set on a hill farm near Sedbergh, the candidates re-develop connections with nature through a series of rigorous activities including farm animal husbandry, navigation over Cautley Spout and bush craft under the supervision and coaching of former SAS officer Dr Ken Hames MBE.

A member of the course, Anthony, a former Royal Engineer from Bolton, said: “For years I have perceived myself as dirt on someone’s shoe. Just in a short and priceless time, the belief and selfless work, time and love that you have shown me, I can only repay with words, but you have helped me to love myself again.”

Dr Hames said: “This course is getting to the heart of the matter where we are finding innovative ways to bring about fundamental behavioural change. This is essential for some veterans who have complex needs and are struggling to cope. They need support and challenge which this course delivers and helps them toward full integration with civilian life and the challenges therein."