What We Offer
The charity assists and supports serving and former members of the HM Armed Forces, as well as members of the BCP community to improve the quality of their lives. The charity provides support services, advice, guidance, training and wellbeing support.
The over-arching vision of our charity is to enable individuals to participate in activities that are meaningful and necessary for their health, wellbeing and quality of life. At our core, we recognize that social participation is a fundamental part of ones overall health. Our approach is always client centered and we work with each client as an individual to understand their unique needs, goals and contexts. Every client’s values and hopes are central to enabling them to thrive.
Emotional Wellbeing
We understand that emotional wellbeing is important because it affects every aspect of a person’s life: influencing their thoughts, feelings, behaviors and how they interact with the world. Through our beachfront site, we offer clients the opportunity to undertake recreational watersports because we recognize that they offer a wealth of benefits to enhance overall wellbeing, encompassing both physical and mental health.
In addition, our clients also have the opportunity to gain an increased sense of belonging and community. We provide a safe space where individuals feel connected, understood and supported by others. Our members can share their experiences, thoughts and feelings in a safe, non-judgmental environment.
Rehabilitation Support
We work closely with the Probation Service to focus on addressing the underlying causes of offending behaviors through various interventions and support. We offer individuals the opportunity to undertake community work, or to engage in an educational programme. For some clients we provide structured training which can lead to professional qualifications. Through this direct work, we have the opportunity to impact individuals’ lives and make a contribution towards a safer society.
Environmental Regeneration
Through our outdoor workshop at Avon Heath Country Park, we promote environmental regeneration community projects. Not only does this contribute to the emotional wellbeing of our clients, but we also see it as being of paramount importance for the health of our environment too. Our projects include: biodiversity enhancement, eco-system maintenance and natural hardwood restoration. We work in collaboration with Dorset and Hampshire Councils to improve the environment.
We also offer our clients the opportunity to participate in bee-keeping. This enables our clients to connect with nature and offers them a fascinating opportunity to connect with the natural world; fostering a greater appreciation for ecology and conservation
Education Support
We believe that education empowers individuals to gain knowledge, skills and competencies so that they can be fulfilled, and also participate in making a societal contribution. Our aim is to equip individuals with the skills they need to fulfil their potential. Three qualified teachers work with our charity to provide a wide range of academic and practical courses leading to recognized qualifications. Our clients engage in a range of educational development: Functional Skills, GCSEs, A-levels, as well as supporting some clients through university. In addition we have the skills and expertise to offer more practical courses: Engineering, Forestry & Woodland Management and Level 3 First Aid. We have supported other clients to obtain Beach Lifeguard qualifications. We also signpost clients to other educational providers.
Current Projects
Dingy Renovation
A remarkable 50 year old sailing dinghy is being lovingly restored by the Charity. The owner has made a large donation and will take veterans out to learn sailing.
We Are Located
Our sea front boat-shed location is where we run our water sessions from. It is at the bottom of Gordon’s zig-zag, just off Southbourne Overcliffe Dr. heading down towards the seafront.
Bournemouth Above And Beyond Trust, Gordon’s Zig Zag, Boscombe Promenade, BH5 2EL