Sunbelt Rentals - proud strategic partners to Walking With The Wounded

Walking with the Wounded (WWTW) is a leading military charity which has been changing lives and helping those who have served since 2010. The charity focuses on helping veterans to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.

At Sunbelt Rentals, we’re very proud to be strategic partners with this charity as it helps us bring to life our sustainability strategy, Our Planet, by supporting not only our own Veterans, but also those in the community. We have supported WWTW since 2015 when we provided equipment for the BBC DIY SOS Veteran Street project.

Every year our teammates take on new challenges - pushing them out of their comfort zones, while raising money and awareness for this great cause.

This year, twelve Sunbelt Rentals employees embarked on a remarkable journey known as the Battlefield Bike Ride. This unique endurance challenge spanned five days, during which cyclists covered an impressive 450 miles (eighty miles daily). They visited iconic battlefields like Ypres and the Somme, paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice whilst also raising vital funds for WWTW. Alongside this, every May, our team take part in the Cumbrian Challenge, undertaking 10 km, 26 km, or 32 km hikes taking in the spectacular Lake District scenery while raising money for this fantastic cause.

Recently we had the privilege to talk to Joel Oxberry, Director of Income and Marcomms at WWTW, to understand the impact of their work and how we can support them in the future.

How did Walking with the Wounded originate?

Walking With The Wounded was founded in 2010 by Edward Parker, a former Green Jackets officer. The momentum for its creation arose from a deeply personal experience when his nephew, Harry Parker, returned from service in the Middle East with physical injuries. Harry's journey was marked by the harsh judgement he faced, reflecting society's perception that he had lost value. It’s important to note that this wasn’t Harry’s perception of himself, and that asides from rehabilitating from his physical injuries he felt fundamentally fine. But society’s perception of Harry as an armed forces veteran made re-building his life incredibly difficult.

Motivated by this experience, Edward embarked on a mission to spotlight the invaluable qualities intrinsic to the armed forces: community, resilience, tenacity, and drive. So, our message is one of positivity.

How did the charity grow?

To raise awareness, Edward initiated an expedition in 2011 to the North Pole, which gained considerable attention from the media and even caught the eye of the Royal Household. HRH Prince Harry became our expedition's patron and embarked on the journey to the North Pole alongside the wounded veterans. The profile of the charity soared as a result of this expedition, further amplifying its mission to place veterans at the forefront.

 How did you get involved with Sunbelt Rentals?

WWTW’s partnership with Sunbelt Rentals began in 20215 with the purchase of Veteran Street, located close to Sunbelt Rentals’ Manchester headquarters. This venture, carried out in collaboration with the BBC DIY SOS program, aimed to provide housing tailored specifically to veterans. The team provided plant, equipment, and volunteers to help with the transformation, and we have worked closely together ever since.

What challenges do returning veterans typically face upon readjustment to civilian life?

The transition to civilian life can be difficult for returning veterans. While the majority smoothly reintegrate and contribute positively to society, a smaller number may face homelessness, involvement in the criminal justice system, mental health issues, or substance misuse. WWTW's comprehensive programs are designed to address these complex issues. They recognise that the challenges faced by veterans are multifaceted and not dissimilar to those encountered by the broader population. Providing a sense of purpose and the necessary tools is crucial for a successful transition to civilian life, and the charity extends its support to veterans and their families.

At WWTW you also do volunteering opportunities for veterans. How do volunteering opportunities work to instil veterans with confidence and a sense of community after leaving the forces?

By instilling confidence and a sense of community as they adjust to civilian life, these activities encourage veterans to interact with the broader community, fostering a realisation that they share common ground with their neighbours. This newfound sense of belonging contributes to building veterans' self-assurance.

 Do you support helping with employment and future employment opportunities?

WWTW operates three essential programs focusing on employment, mental health, and care coordination. These programs, in conjunction with volunteering initiatives, tackle issues such as social isolation, substance abuse, homelessness, and potential involvement in criminal activities.

What challenges do you have in the pipeline?

Walking Home For Christmas.” Scheduled for December 9th - 20th, this 12-day event encourages participants to venture outdoors during the festive season. Participants can choose from a range of challenges, from a 1K walk to a series of activities over the 12-day period.

Walking With The Wounded is an incredible charity that everyone at Sunbelt Rentals is proud to support. Anyone can support veterans on a daily basis, by staying informed with charity updates through the Walking With The Wounded newsletter, spreading the word about their amazing work in the community, signing up for one of their events, or donating if possible to contribute to their mission of supporting veterans.