Veteran
I’ve found my people, a sanctuary of hope when I didn’t even know I was still searching for one.
As a former Lance Jack turned veteran, I’ve weathered my share of challenges. I made the most out of every situation, adapted like I always had, but deep down something vital was missing: a sense of belonging. There was a time I felt completely adrift, lost in a sea of isolation. Lou and Adonis have been my constants, they keep me grounded, steering me back when the edges blur, but even with their love, I couldn’t shake the ache for something I’d once had and never truly replaced: camaraderie.
That bond. That brotherhood forged not by words, but by shared trials, quiet understanding, and the kind of laughter that comes from knowing someone’s seen you at your worst and stuck around anyway. I wasn’t sure I’d ever feel it again… until I found Embers Woodcraft.
From the moment I joined, it just clicked. I wasn’t just learning new, incredible skills, I was re-learning connection. I found myself lending a hand, having a brew, or breaking into familiar laughter at the kind of banter you can’t fake. It was effortless, real. It felt like coming home to a version of myself I thought I’d lost.
Embers gave me more than skills. It gave me a lifeline, a tribe, a purpose, a deep-rooted sense of belonging. These aren’t just mates. They’re the kind you know will be there for the long haul. And that… well, that’s everything.
Police Officer
“And into the woods I go, to lose my mind and find my soul”
As a serving Police Officer of nearly 18 years, I have been exposed to range of traumatic events and experiences both within the service and throughout life events. These all built up inside of me, to a point where I attempted to end my own life; I wanted the conflict, anxiety, constant worry, and pain to stop. I operated for years in an adrenaline fuelled survival mode which meant I forgot what it was like to feel at ease and true peace. The deterioration in my mental health impacted every part of my life and effected my presentism at work and at home.
I was signposted and led to Embers by a very close friend who asked me to simply trust the woods, the nature, the comradery and see how I feel after.
Attending Embers Wood Craft was a key monumental corner stone in my healing and recovery. It allowed me to prioritise myself whilst embracing growth of being out of my comfort zone in a very safe and secure environment. I felt welcomed from the moment I arrived, and being amongst the trees and burning campfire created a relaxed and calm atmosphere which, created a sense of comfort and openness.
The Mental Wellbeing talk allowed me to be open about my mental health struggles and listen to other people’s journeys. I finally didn’t feel alone, and I had found a sense of belonging; I remember the profound feeling of the weight being lifted off my shoulders. After years of fighting against my mental health, I was suddenly able to embrace it and accept it.
I was fortunate enough to accompany Embers Woodcraft to Scotland where the breathtaking scenery, fresh air and sense of comradery was one of the most impactful trips of my life, along with the amazing food! The Scottish Trip embedded the Ethos of Embers: nature, learning, acceptance, recovery, and openness. Being afforded the opportunity to create another Wellbeing Space to help others was truly amazing and it is a trip I can’t wait to repeat; the sense of healing benefits was profound. The trip gave me a sense of intent and purpose to prioritise my own recovery and help others.
Since I was introduced to Embers, I have not had a day off work and more importantly I have my son back 50/50, due to the marked improvement in my mental health.
My healing journey led me to Embers Wood Craft, to not just to find my soul, but also my smile and most importantly my peace. I finally feel like I am thriving again as a police officer, a friend and most importantly, as Dad.