Barnstaple man creates project to support veterans through nature

A Barnstaple man's vision for supporting North Devon veterans has taken shape in the form of The Root Cause Project. 

Co-founded by Roy Goddin and  Roli Jones, this community interest company (CIC) is dedicated to providing veterans with a space to unwind and find solace alongside nature.

Run by veterans for veterans, The Root Cause Project understands the unique challenges faced by those transitioning from military to civilian life. 

Drawing on their own experiences, the team offers authentic support in a tranquil setting.

Located in the surroundings of Hakeford Woods, The Root Cause Project provides free sessions where veterans can engage in activities like wild cooking, woodland management, and woodcraft. 

These activities aim to offer relaxation and reflection, helping veterans reconnect with themselves and each other.

Roy said: “Our mission at The Root Cause Project is simple: to provide veterans with the support and community they need to thrive in civilian life. By leveraging the healing power of nature and drawing on our collective experiences, we aim to make a positive difference in the lives of those who have served our country.”

The Root Cause Project provides a free service for its veterans and receives funding from The Co-op, Devon Mental Health Alliance, The Army Benevolent Fund, and the National Lottery Community Fund.

Roy said: “I co-founded Root Cause Project [CIC] to help support the veterans of North Devon and offer a place to come and relax in nature. Using a combination of skills and experiences from working in the military (as an ex Navy Commando), in mental health for two decades (primarily in the Crisis team), and as a teacher; alongside an awareness of the need for veterans to have a space for them to switch off, and where the gaps are in provision, We at The Root Cause Project offer a valuable service to meet these needs.

“I know that when service personnel leave the armed forces, they are often left to feel isolated and unsupported without the tight-knit community they left. More often than not, mental health provision is often unsuccessful because there is a lack of experiences from therapists to understand the experiences that a veteran has been exposed to. Generally, this leads to a mirroring effect, which means that the veteran will mask how they feel and say what they think the therapist needs to hear.

“A recent NHS survey highlighted that 60 percent of veterans find it difficult to ask for help for mental health issues, using a peer-to-peer approach combined with the therapeutic benefits of being in nature Root Cause Project has been created to be a safety net for veterans who would potentially not seek support or even talk about their experiences in the military - we simply want to make life better for those who served our country and sometimes feel forgotten.”

To find out more about The Root Cause Project, you can visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/rootcauseproject or email rootcauseproject@outlook.com