Motherly love has helped create the first of a pioneering series of homes-from-home for troops returning from, and adjusting to, life after serving on the frontline.
The West-based charity Afghan Heroes, founded by eight mothers who all lost their servicemen sons in the same 24-hour period, opened the first base at Ashcott, in Somerset, on Wednesday.
Named simply The Retreat, and based in a converted village pub, it has, like others planned around the country, six to 10 beds, a restaurant and bar and will welcome the local community to a classroom with wi-fi. Each "retreat" will also help personnel retrain for the often traumatic transfer from service to civilian life.
The venue came about thanks to more than 30 volunteers, including carpenters, electricians, plumbers and gardeners, who gave up their time, ahead of the first returning servicemen arriving in the coming weeks.
The Retreat, which has two paddocks where events can be staged, will become the template for others.
Denise Harris, founder of Afghan Heroes, who lives near Shepton Mallet, said: "We're delighted to be launching the first retreat so that we can help those that need the support. Each retreat will be self-financing in order to 'future proof' the care concept and to assist our troops returning from active service for years to come."
Mrs Harris, whose son Corporal Lee Scott lost his life in July 2009 while serving with 2 Royal Tank Regiment in Afghanistan, said each retreat will build a positive and supportive environment enabling former services personnel to move forward and resume their everyday lives.
She added: "Once there, they can begin to rebuild their lives alongside comrades who have shared the traumatic experiences which have impacted upon them."
The retreats will provide regional hubs sited away from military garrisons but close enough to draw essential support as required. Planned locations include Blackpool, Newcastle, Scotland, Wales, East Anglia, Birmingham and the South Coast.
The retreats fulfil the charity's original objective to help personnel on their discharge to civilian life. Mrs Harris said: "We have already been in touch with local colleges about courses, local gyms and the local swimming pool and we have people that are willing to give their time free to train our service personal in website building, graphic design, accountancy, landscape gardening as well as setting up their own businesses.
"The objective is to get retreat residents to identify a preferred new profession."
For further information, log on to www.afghanheroes.org.uk
