Veterans’ Growth is a charity based on five acres of peaceful farmland in East Sussex. It supports veterans struggling with mental health challenges. Their programme combines rehabilitation with skill-building activities such as horticulture and woodworking. One of their most successful initiatives is the “Small Acorns” woodworking project, partly funded by The Radcliffe Trust.
Veterans’ Growth’s experienced in-house green woodworker gives workshops on the disappearing art of traditional rake-making, using traditional tools and materials. This is a heritage craft listed on the Endangered Crafts Register.
The Radcliffe Trust’s grant enabled participants to work with locally harvested green wood to create a variety of items, including rakes, fencing, benches, and decorations. These products were sold at community fundraising events, raising over £3,000 for Veterans’ Growth and supporting the project’s self-sustainability. The woodworking activities proved to be highly inclusive, particularly for veterans with limited mobility, as they could craft items using soft green wood and hand tools. Furthermore, the project was active year-round, offering a viable alternative during winter months when other site activities were limited by weather.
The rake-making project delivered profound impacts for veterans and also the broader community. By engaging in the endangered craft of rake-making, veterans developed practical skills, gained a sense of purpose, and experienced therapeutic benefits. The hands-on nature of woodworking helped reduce anxiety, improve focus, and foster mental well-being. This structured activity boosted confidence and supported veterans reintegration into civilian life, offering opportunities to build new hobbies, careers, or volunteer roles. This activity was so successful it will be continued.