Community Healing for Veterans with Lee Drinkwater from RV One
Daniel Fallon
Veteran | Global Corporate Health And Wellness Consultant | Men's Health Writer | Men's Mental Health Speaker | Gym Owner | Author
As I stepped away from my usual setting for the podcast in the kitchen to meet Lee Drinkwater, I found myself immersed in an extraordinary mission nestled within the Royal Marines' Commander Training Center.?
Lee, a serving Royal Marine, introduced me to something profoundly impactful: RV One.?
Our conversation, set against this unique backdrop, a project that transcends the conventional boundaries of mental wellness and community support.
RV One emerged from a heart-wrenching place of loss but has grown into a beacon of hope.?
The initiative, founded on the principles of functional fitness, creativity, and the raw beauty of adventure, aims to rehabilitate the mind and spirit.?
This day, I delved deep into the essence of RV One, discovering its roots in the tragic loss of friends—a pain that Lee Drinkwater MSc CMgr FCMI and Thomas Merriman , the co-founders, transformed into a force for communal healing.
The philosophy of RV One is simple yet profound: connection, belonging, and healing through shared experiences.?
Lee shared stories of communal gatherings—on beaches, in gyms, amidst nature's calm—where every activity, from fitness challenges to cold water immersion, serves as a bridge to mental clarity and emotional resilience.?
These aren't just exercises; they're moments of bonding, of shared vulnerability and strength.
Lee's thoughts on resilience struck a chord with me.?
Resilience isn't a one-size-fits-all trait but a personal journey through adversity.?
It's about finding what works for you, whether you're navigating the stresses of daily life or recovering from the scars of combat.?
This perspective shifted my own understanding of resilience, emphasising the importance of individual paths in the healing process.
RV One's inclusivity is remarkable.?
It welcomes everyone—veterans, civilians, individuals struggling with mental health issues, or those simply seeking connection.?
This openness reflects a universal need for understanding, acceptance, and a safe space to share and heal.?
领英推荐
It's a testament to the power of community in fostering a healthier, more connected existence.
Throughout the day, I witnessed the transformative impact of RV One.?
From the laughter shared over a morning coffee to the solidarity felt during a challenging workout, each moment underscored the importance of community in the journey toward wellness.?
The initiative is more than a wellness program; it's a movement towards understanding, acceptance, and collective resilience.
Reflecting on my time with RV One, I realised the profound truth in Lee's words.?
Healing, resilience, and wellness are not just personal quests but collective endeavours.?
RV One offers a blueprint for this journey, inviting us all to support each other, find strength in our shared stories, and rediscover the joy of living with purpose and passion.
As I drove back, reflecting on the day's experiences, I couldn't help but feel inspired by the strength and resilience of the RV One community.?
The initiative's success stories, shared by participants who've found solace and purpose through their involvement, highlight the undeniable link between physical activity, creative expression, and mental well-being.
In sharing this story, my aim is not just to narrate my experience but to extend an invitation to you, the reader, to explore the power of community in healing.?
Whether you're facing your battles or looking to support others, remember that spaces like RV One exist, offering hope, understanding, and a pathway to wellness.
RV One's journey is a poignant reminder that we're not alone in our struggles.?
Together, we can overcome the challenges that life throws our way, building a future where wellness is not merely a goal but a shared journey.?
So, let's take a step towards that future, embracing the support around us and embarking on a journey of healing, resilience, and collective well-being.
Podcast below:
Change Management and DEI Consultant/Behavioural Scientist/Anthropologist/ Author
9 个月Back in 2017 Anne Goyne wrote a paper on self harm focussing on the ADF. She noted that suicides for men serving in the Australian Defence Force were 58% lower than the national average, but shot up to 13% above the national average once they left the forces. This is a clear indication that when men have strong social support networks they are much better at coping with stresses. I think that one of the problems is caused by a promotion and rise of individualism over collectivism. While we are individual biological entities, we are social animals. Our very humanity depends on our social relationships. If we remove all of those social relationships what meaning does life have? I would argue, very little!
AgilePM Practitioner l Scrum Master l Royal Marine l Commando Recruitment Team l RV.ONE Founder
9 个月This is really nice Daniel. Thank you for taking the time to recognise what we are doing, and a massive thank you to Lee Drinkwater MSc CMgr FCMI for sharing his story with you. We would love to see you back in the RV again, please don’t hesitate to return and please keep up the good work that you’re doing. Always by your side, Tom ????
Saudi Aramco Well-being Strategy lead
9 个月Great post Daniel and thanks for sharing. We underestimate the power of community and the importance of social well-being. Having support structures in place and the ability to connect through social engagement and interactions is extremely important to our overall health and well-being. Social isolation and withdrawing from society for whatever reason is concerning snd we need to reach out to each other and connect. This also applies to children who are ever increasingly drawn into spending hours upon hours on their i-pads, smart phones and the internet . They are being sucked into a world of gaming or viewing social media influencers and other platforms. This isn’t healthy behaviours and should be a concern! Just a thought! ??????