HOW WE HELP

Whilst support is aimed at all Royal Marines, the primary focus must be our wounded. The extent of injury suffered may well ultimately lead to an individual no longer being able to return to operational duties within his Unit, but there is a finite limit to the availability of suitable non-operational employment within the Corps. It is at this point of transition, and on into civilian life, that The C Group is directing its focus.

By establishing an informed and diverse network from the business community, with dedicated links to, and interest in, issues affecting the Royal Marines, we aim to provide each individual facing the challenge of forging a new life outside the Corps with a pool of expertise and excellence from which advice, mentors and support can be drawn.

Hasler Company, Plymouth To this end, The C Group has established very close links with Hasler Company Royal Marines, based at HMS Drake in Plymouth, who have responsibility for managing the long-term individual rehabilitation programmes of our wounded and injured. We hope that The C Group members will be able to offer much in the way of support to those fine young men who have had their lives irrevocably changed whilst serving their country.

The C Group is using Hasler Company to introduce its "Value in Kind" donation scheme, enabling C Group members to provide non-financial input where it is needed most.

Links are also being forged with both military and civilian organisations around the country who are working to provide care and support to those who bear both physical and mental injuries, and are suffering the effects of having served operationally.

These organisations begin right in the heart of the Corps family, Harden Troop being an example within 45 Cdo. These all aim to provide a safe and familiar environment in which the injured can recover from their injuries, whilst under close medical supervision and continuing to provide a full military and recreational training regime to satisfy long term rehabilitation demands.

Each Troop obtains the majority of its rehabilitation equipment through the military system, however The C Group receives grant requests for items not available via military channels. For example, 42 Commando at Bickleigh in Devon are seeking to build a plunge pool to avoid the time consuming round trip to use the hydrotherapy facilities at HMS Drake Other requests include ice-baths and hot tubs, to aid in the recovery from soft tissue injuries, and semi-recumbent cycles which offer non-weight bearing cardio-vascular therapy.

There is also frequent engagement with external organizations such as SW Scotland RnR and Horseback UK, who work to provide recreational therapy specifically designed to meet the needs specific to the military casualty.