Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) is proud to support Climb2Recovery (C2R) through grant funding that will help deliver a dedicated programme for veterans transitioning from military to civilian life.
For many people leaving the Armed Forces, particularly those transitioning through clinical discharge, recovery extends far beyond medical treatment. Research and lived experience consistently show that a successful transition depends on factors such as belonging, trusted peer networks, identity reconstruction, community, continuity, and psychological safety. While clinical services play a vital role, these non-clinical foundations can often be the most challenging to rebuild.
With support from RNRMC grant funding, Climb2Recovery is helping address this gap through a year-round, trauma-informed programme designed to build confidence, resilience, capability, and lasting peer support networks for veterans.
“I’ve loved every second of my time in the outdoors, but what stands out most is seeing how climbing can help others. Climb2Recovery is more than just a climbing programme; it’s a lifeline, a community, and a path forward. I’m proud to be part of something so impactful.”
Chris Pretty, Senior Instructor and Technical Advisor, Climb2Recovery, and Royal Marine veteran
Through a combination of climbing, mountaineering, peer support, and community-focused activities, Climb2Recovery provides veterans with opportunities to reconnect with others who share similar experiences while developing routine, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.
The programme supports veterans from a wide range of backgrounds, including those living with visible disabilities, PTSD, long-term health conditions, personal hardships, and degenerative illnesses. Recognising that many challenges are not immediately visible, Climb2Recovery creates a welcoming, non-judgemental environment where every participant is valued and supported.
Supporting Recovery Through Community
Climb2Recovery’s programme is designed to:
- Improve mental, emotional, and social wellbeing through long-term, community-centred support.
- Reduce isolation and loneliness by building strong peer networks and fostering shared experiences.
- Provide the essential non-clinical foundations of recovery that complement clinical services.
- Restore confidence, purpose, and personal identity, enabling healthier and more sustainable transitions into civilian life.
Thanks to RNRMC’s funding, Climb2Recovery will be able to expand its support for Royal Navy & Royal Marines veterans while maintaining the strong community culture that sits at the heart of its work.
Commenting on the award, Joe Winch, CEO of Climb2Recovery, said:
“Climb2Recovery is proud to have been awarded funding from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity to deliver a dedicated transition support programme for wounded, injured and sick personnel leaving service. This pilot will provide intensive, peer-led support through a year-long programme, helping participants rebuild confidence, identity and connection as they move into civilian life.
“Delivered in partnership with Royal Navy Recovery Delivery, the project addresses a critical gap in long-term, non-clinical support. This funding enables us to expand capacity while protecting the community and culture at the heart of recovery, ensuring more veterans can access meaningful, sustained support.”
The organisation’s vision is to improve the transition journey through increased confidence, stronger resilience, restored capability, and ongoing peer support. Veterans continue to receive support for their post-transition needs through access to a long-term community built on shared experience, continuity, and mutual understanding.
By investing in initiatives such as Climb2Recovery, RNRMC is helping ensure that veterans have access to the practical, emotional, and social support needed to navigate life beyond service successfully. The funding reflects the charity’s ongoing commitment to supporting veterans not only during recovery but throughout their wider transition journey, helping them rebuild confidence, purpose, and a renewed sense of belonging.
How Veterans Can Access Support
Climb2Recovery programmes are available free of charge to Royal Navy and Royal Marines veterans. The organisation delivers climbing and mountaineering events across the UK, including Scotland, the Lake District, Wales, and the South West of England.
Accommodation and meals are provided throughout each event, with participants contributing to meal preparation and household tasks. Shared evening meals form an important part of the experience, creating opportunities for veterans to build meaningful relationships, share experiences in a trusted environment, and strengthen their sense of community.
Importantly, participation is not dependent on climbing experience or ability.
Veterans who prefer not to climb can make use of the accommodation, join walks and other activities, and engage with the group at a pace that suits them. The focus is not on the activity itself, but on connection, community, and recovery.
To find out more about the Climb2Recovery Member Programme or to sign up for upcoming events, visit: https://www.c2r.org/current-member-up-coming-courses
For further information, contact speedy@c2r.org.
