United Utilities’ Armed Forces Network digs in to support veterans mental health retreat

Volunteers from United Utilities rolled up their sleeves when they spent time carrying out woodland management at Lancashire’s Belisama Retreat for veterans.

Members of the United Utilities Armed Forces Network were joined by the company’s River Rangers and members of the Lancashire County Team to clear vegetation and carry out repair work to make the slope down to the River Ribble more accessible to visitors after it was damaged during recent storms. River Rangers also carried out a clear up along the river bank.

The secluded woodland retreat is located on the banks of the River Ribble near Samlesbury. It was established by British Army veteran JP Marriott to offer veterans a place to deal with trauma and build emotional resilience by spending time outdoors camping and enjoying nature.

As well as the volunteering, the United Utilities team also hosted an information event at the RLC Regiment in Lancaster, where they met with representatives from Lancashire County Council, Armed Forces regional representatives, Highways Agency and leaders from the Fylde Coast, Blackburn, Ribble Valley and Clitheroe to give an update on the company’s upcoming investment plans for Lancashire.

Lieutenant Adam Lappin from United Utilities Better Rivers team explained: “There is a very large veteran and service community in the North West, and the opportunity to make this site more accessible will help many in need for years to come.”

Lieutenant Colonel Kev Haigh Royal Logistics Corps, A senior Technology Project Manager at United Utilities added: “As well as digging in to help with woodland management, it was great to bring so many people together to share information about our upcoming investment plans for Lancashire where we will be delivering our biggest investment programme for more than a century.”

Both Adam and Kev are former Regular Service personnel who have made the transition in to the Reserve Forces. The Armed Forces Network within United Utilities is an integral community within the business where veterans, reservists, forces families and community allies come together to support each other, the business and local communities.