Providing a welcoming space for Veterans since 2012.
"Visiting Battling-on is always the highlight of my day. Open, welcoming and inclusive, it’s fantastic to spend some time both with the truly dedicated staff, and seeing how much their dedication means to their clients."
- Johnny Mercer MP
Brand New Facebook Veterans Page
Due to popular demand, we have started a new Facebook page!
We already have an official Facebook page for news, photos and other updates (see HERE) but now we have a second! This one will allow you - the Veterans - to engage with each other in a private social media group. Of course, we expect users to behave appropriately... but it's also a place for some wholesome and light-hearted fun!
Let the banter flow on the new page! Also, use it to make arrangements or discuss ideas for future Battling On sessions.
Click HERE to sign up!
Designed and Led by Veterans
Battling On Community Interest Company was established in 2012 to help support members of the Armed Forces who were struggling to make the transition from military to civilian life. Since its inception, Battling On has become a multi-award winning organisation that supports not only veterans, but also some of the West Country’s most vulnerable young people, through innovative programmes and approaches to solving complex social problems.
At the heart of Battling-on is the provision of a comfortable space at Merryhue Farm, where we conduct veteran-led activities on and off site.
Recently, we have been bringing in guest speakers to inform veterans on a variety of topics from mental health, prostate cancer and dog handling, to singing sea shanties.
Merryhue Farm
Battling On is situated on a 124 acre farm. Merryhue Farm has been farmed in an environmentally sensitive way for over 60 years and as such boosts a hugely diverse range of habitats which include semi-ancient woodlands, meadow lands, heathland willow carr and marshland.
The Countryside Hub
Built in 2021, the Countryside Sustainability Hub is a large converted barn at the top of the farm, surrounded by animal enclosures and a pond. It was officially opened by HRH Princess Anne in 2022, and continues to see structural improvements. There is a working kitchen, toilet facilities and an adjoining smoking area.
Inside, veterans can enjoy a range of activities. Keep an eye on our news section and newsletters to find out what activities are coming up!
Activities at the Community Hub
While on site at Merryhue Farm, there are plenty of activities to get up to!
On Friday, the Grown That Way garden will be open for Veterans to volunteer. This is a great opportunity for budding horticulturalists and gardeners, and they will be guided by our professional garden designer, Kenny Raybould.
We also have woodworking opportunities in our own workshop, complete with tools and materials.
If you're looking for something a little more relaxing, we have darts competitions, board games and plenty of Arts & Crafts equipment that you can use!
This Week...
On Thursday the 8th of June, our Veterans will be taking a lovely walk down at Siblyback Lake! On the next day, Food is Fun will be coming to the farm for another cooking extravaganza.
The "Together We Can Succeed" programme is a joint venture between Battling On, Transferable Skills Training (TST) and Work Skills South West (WSSW) to help engage vulnerable young people who had dis-engaged from education. This Award winning programme has gained widespread acclaim and was filmed by the BBC for Comic Relief....
