In-person projects

This page gives details of projects that are trusted sources of support available to the Blue Light community. Some may have been funded or supported by Blue Light Card Foundation but this is not a prerequisite to feature on this page. Please reach out to us if you run a project that you would like to see here.

These projects all accept self referral and offer support in an individual or group setting.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS is a global peer-led mutual aid fellowship dedicated to abstinence-based recovery from alcoholism through its  twelve-step program.

Following its twelve traditions, AA is non-professional, non-denominational, apolitical and unaffiliated.

www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

ANDY’S MAN CLUB is a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online.

They want to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation.

www.andysmanclub.co.uk

Cart Shed charity logo

The CART SHED CHARITY works with young people aged 14-25 and adults of all ages who are experiencing emotional distress. The charity operates on a working farm in north Herefordshire.

www.thecartshed.co.uk 

Curtis Palmer Program logo

The CURTIS PALMER PROGRAM was set up by police staff, police officers and military veterans.

They help serving and retired police staff and officers with mental health, wellbeing, physical injury, and illness through programmes including breathwork courses and expeditions.

www.curtispalmerprogram.org

East Durham Veterans Trust logo - silhouette of a soldier and image of red poppies with black text

EAST DURHAM VETERANS TRUST runs Talking Therapies programmes to support veteran’s mental health.

The programme is based within County Durham, but they can support veterans at a national and international level through telephone, Zoom and Teams calls.

www.eastdurhamveterans.co.uk

Frank Bruno Foundation logo

The FRANK BRUNO FOUNDATION was set up to help people to stay in work through a programme of controlled non-contact boxing classes.

This is combined with wrap around care addressing the causes of mental health issues.

www.thefrankbrunofoundation.co.uk 

nature beanz adventures logo

NATURE BEANZ ADVENTURES provides outdoor education and learning opportunities for local children and adults in the Manchester area.

These activities have fantastic outcomes for all those involved: building confidence, resilience, friendships, communication skills, improving physical and mental wellbeing, and raising environmental awareness. 

www.naturebeanzadventures.co.uk

Narcotics Anonymous logo

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS, founded in 1953, describes itself as a “nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem.”

Narcotics Anonymous uses a 12-step model developed for people with varied substance use disorders.

www.ukna.org

On Course Foundation logo

ON COURSE FOUNDATION is the UK’s only golf specific military charity, using golf as a vehicle for the successful recovery of wounded veterans.

They currently deliver 18 core residential golf skills and employment courses throughout England and Wales each year.

www.oncoursefoundation.com

Pete Lewin Newfoundlands Logo

PETE LEWIN NEWFOUNDLANDS offer support to people who may benefit from swimming and interaction with Newfoundland dogs.

They work with staff from front-line emergency services, military veterans, and those struggling with their mental health.

www.petelewinnewfoundlands.co.uk

Project Argo logo

PROJECT ARGO is a relief and recovery initiative for the emergency services. Inspired by the military and delivered by veterans, the project aims to offer the Blue Light community the opportunity to take part in a 24-hour sailing decompression trip in Cornwall.

www.projectargo.co.uk

SURFWELL is a wellbeing peer support programme using Surf Therapy.

Run by Emergency Services staff for Emergency Services and Critical Care staff.

www.surfwell.com

Walk and Talk 999 logo

WALK & TALK 999 is an early intervention mental health initiative for emergency services, NHS, and Armed Forces (serving or retired).

The walking groups offer a safe and supportive environment to chat freely and check in with yourself. Walks are carried out in various locations throughout the UK on a weekly basis.

www.instagram.com/walkandtalk999

www.twitter.com/WalkandTalk999

WONDERFUL LIFE ACADEMY was set up to help people improve their wellbeing through free workshops and online materials.

Led by a qualified wellbeing coach, workshops utilise a combination of coaching techniques, NLP and mindfulness exercises to empower beneficiaries to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

www.wonderfullifeacademy.com

WOODLAND WARRIOR provides activities within woodland to aid the recovery of veterans, service personnel and Emergency Services.

Activities include woodcraft, traditional woodland management, day to day running of camp and group cooking and small holding courses. It provides participants with the opportunity to recuperate, recalibrate and re-engage.

www.woodlandwarriorprogramme.org

Woodland Xperiences logo

WOODLAND XPERIENCES embrace the therapeutic power of getting back to nature with woodland and adventurous activities on land and water.

They provide a safe conversational environment to assist mental and physical health, isolation, wellbeing, support, and family engagement.

www.woodlandexperiences.com