The UK military's mental health initiative has taken on new meaning by creating authentic Scandinavian plans using solid oak to build Viking longships that help veterans battling PTSD. Bob Marshall, CEO of The Viking Boat Co., emphasizes that this project is not only about the boats themselves but also a process to rebuild veterans through making the boats. This blog will explore this method of therapy and its significance.  The project began in 2019 with Help for Heroes' assistance before becoming an independent charity led by Bob Marshall. Originally based at the army's Catterick Garrison, they faced challenges due to funding cuts during the pandemic. Despite these obstacles, Bob decided to continue working on the project unpaid to keep it going and lead them to the current workshop in Darlington.  The longboat is now sea-worthy and was put on display for the first time at a Viking festival in northern England this week. Its craftsmanship is impressive, incorporating decorative features such as carved roses and mythical creatures. The boat's construction involved more than 60 veterans dealing with PTSD, and participants report feeling happier and more confident after working on it.  This project provides much-needed camaraderie for veterans struggling with mental health issues. Bob Marshall's humorous approach has been key to the success of the initiative, offering a unique therapy method that connects with ex-service personnel. The workshop's signs reflect this attitude towards mental health challenges, making Stormbird more than just a boat but also an essential tool in rebuilding people.  The project plans to use the finished boat for fundraising purposes so they can build another heritage boat. This initiative is not only about creating beautiful Viking longships but also serves as a reminder of the significant role that mental health plays in our society.

The UK military's mental health initiative has taken on new meaning by creating authentic Scandinavian plans using solid oak to build Viking longships that help veterans battling PTSD. Bob Marshall, CEO of The Viking Boat Co., emphasizes that this project is not only about the boats themselves but also a process to rebuild veterans through making the boats. This blog will explore this method of therapy and its significance. The project began in 2019 with Help for Heroes' assistance before becoming an independent charity led by Bob Marshall. Originally based at the army's Catterick Garrison, they faced challenges due to funding cuts during the pandemic. Despite these obstacles, Bob decided to continue working on the project unpaid to keep it going and lead them to the current workshop in Darlington. The longboat is now sea-worthy and was put on display for the first time at a Viking festival in northern England this week. Its craftsmanship is impressive, incorporating decorative features such as carved roses and mythical creatures. The boat's construction involved more than 60 veterans dealing with PTSD, and participants report feeling happier and more confident after working on it. This project provides much-needed camaraderie for veterans struggling with mental health issues. Bob Marshall's humorous approach has been key to the success of the initiative, offering a unique therapy method that connects with ex-service personnel. The workshop's signs reflect this attitude towards mental health challenges, making Stormbird more than just a boat but also an essential tool in rebuilding people. The project plans to use the finished boat for fundraising purposes so they can build another heritage boat. This initiative is not only about creating beautiful Viking longships but also serves as a reminder of the significant role that mental health plays in our society.

The UK military's mental health initiative has taken on new meaning by creating authentic Scandinavian plans using solid oak to build Viking longships that help veterans battling PTSD. Bob Marshall, CEO of The Viking Boat Co., emphasizes that this project is not only about the boats themselves but also a process to rebuild veterans through making the boats. This blog will explore this method of therapy and its significance. The project began in 2019 with Help for Heroes' assistance before becoming an independent charity led by Bob Marshall. Originally based at the army's Catterick Garrison, they faced challenges due to funding cuts during the pandemic. Despite these obstacles, Bob decided to continue working on the project unpaid to keep it going and lead them to the current workshop in Darlington. The longboat is now sea-worthy and was put on display for the first time at a Viking festival in northern England this week. Its craftsmanship is impressive, incorporating decorative features such as carved roses and mythical creatures. The boat's construction involved more than 60 veterans dealing with PTSD, and participants report feeling happier and more confident after working on it. This project provides much-needed camaraderie for veterans struggling with mental health issues. Bob Marshall's humorous approach has been key to the success of the initiative, offering a unique therapy method that connects with ex-service personnel. The workshop's signs reflect this attitude towards mental health challenges, making Stormbird more than just a boat but also an essential tool in rebuilding people. The project plans to use the finished boat for fundraising purposes so they can build another heritage boat. This initiative is not only about creating beautiful Viking longships but also serves as a reminder of the significant role that mental health plays in our society.

2025-02-19 13:28:08

The UK military's mental health initiative has taken on new meaning by creating authentic Scandinavian plans using solid oak to build Viking longships that help veterans battling PTSD. Bob Marshall, CEO of The Viking Boat Co., emphasizes that this project is not only about the boats themselves but also a process to rebuild veterans through making the boats. This blog will explore this method of therapy and its significance.

The project began in 2019 with Help for Heroes' assistance before becoming an independent charity led by Bob Marshall. Originally based at the army's Catterick Garrison, they faced challenges due to funding cuts during the pandemic. Despite these obstacles, Bob decided to continue working on the project unpaid to keep it going and lead them to the current workshop in Darlington.

The longboat is now sea-worthy and was put on display for the first time at a Viking festival in northern England this week. Its craftsmanship is impressive, incorporating decorative features such as carved roses and mythical creatures. The boat's construction involved more than 60 veterans dealing with PTSD, and participants report feeling happier and more confident after working on it.

This project provides much-needed camaraderie for veterans struggling with mental health issues. Bob Marshall's humorous approach has been key to the success of the initiative, offering a unique therapy method that connects with ex-service personnel. The workshop's signs reflect this attitude towards mental health challenges, making Stormbird more than just a boat but also an essential tool in rebuilding people.

The project plans to use the finished boat for fundraising purposes so they can build another heritage boat. This initiative is not only about creating beautiful Viking longships but also serves as a reminder of the significant role that mental health plays in our society.


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Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

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Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.

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