Leeds Metropolitan University’s Well Met official outdoor pursuits provider, Carnegie Great Outdoors, is to provide coaching to help the recovery of wounded, injured servicemen and women, at the new Battle Back Centre in Lilleshall.
The centre, funded by the Royal British Legion, was opened 22 November. The opening ceremony was permed by Olympic medallist Beth Tweddle, MBE, and the Right Honourable Mark Francois, Minister of State for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans.
Carnegie Great Outdoors was commissioned based on expertise in the delivery of education and training courses using the outdoors and sport. The University’s Institute of Leadership and Management Centre has also accredited the programme to give Battle Backers an ILM Level Two award, recognising team member skills to support their future career prospects.
Dave Bunting of Carnegie Great Outdoors and Head of Coaching and Development for the Battle Back Centre, said: “Our University has been involved with the Battle Back Centre from day one. We have undertaken more than ten pilot courses, each one better and more refined than the last, based on our evaluation and on feedback from those taking part. We have now made the transition from pilot to full capacity courses and the inclusive sporting equipment we use is second to none, ensuring that everyone who attends the week-long programmes can take part in each and every activity.
“The students are some of the most determined and inspirational men and women you could ever hope to have the privilege of meeting. It is clear that taking part in people development courses, using sport and adventurous training activities as vehicles for change, enhances recovery. We use a wide range of activities within our courses, including wheelchair basketball, archery, indoor climbing and caving, and water sports.”
Leeds Metropolitan University’s Vice Chancellor, Susan Price said: “It is a privilege and an honour for Leeds Metropolitan University to be part of the Battle Back Centre. It is a life-changing facility for the men and women who undertake the courses devised and led by the Carnegie Faculty’s dedicated team and I am delighted that the Royal British Legion recognised Leeds Metropolitan’s special expertise in this sporting and evaluative area.”
The Royal British Legion is providing £27m to fund The Battle Back Centre as a key part of its £50m commitment to the Defence Recovery Capability (DRC) initiative.
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