Supporting the Team Forces Foundation

The Team Forces Foundation delivers social impact across the armed forces community through the power of sport, challenge and adventure. Its initiatives improve health, wellbeing and recovery by promoting excellence, equality and inclusion. 

Avon Protection is proud to support the Team Forces Foundation, a charity that provides financial grants to help make sport and adventure more accessible to those who serve in the British Armed Forces. We ask so much of the brave men and women who risk their lives in extreme circumstances and operate with great courage and professionalism to protect our interests at home and abroad. As a Bronze Member, Avon Protection supports the vital work this charity carries out in improving mental and physical health in the armed forces, whether than means helping people to move beyond disability, regain confidence, or push their personal boundaries.

Impact

By growing its support for a diverse programme of armed forces sports organisations, individuals on expeditions, challenges and adventurous activities, Team Forces has helped thousands of individuals access the power of sport, challenge and adventure. In 2022 the foundation increased the number of social impact projects it supports by 40% over the previous year, in particular with veterans who have been through a life changing injury, illness or trauma.

To read more about the impact the Foundation is making thanks to sponsorship from companies such as Avon Protection, the 2022 Impact Report can be found here.

Inspiring adventure

Avon Protection’s support of Team Forces allows us to demonstrate our commitment to social value by giving back to the British forces. In return, we share in the rewarding and transformative experiences enabled by the programme and help promote equality, diversity and inclusion in sport and adventure within the Armed Forces. Here is a sample of inspiring expeditions and endeavours funded by Team Forces:

Antarctic Quest 21: Scientific Exploration (2021)

A team of eight ventured into the untrodden regions of the Antarctic Peninsula to gather data for scientific research on climate change, meteorology, geology and glaciology. The team faced extreme weather conditions with severe storms and high winds hampering the expedition’s progress. Despite unexpected setbacks, the team managed to complete the majority of its aims on the expedition. Of special importance is the team’s collection of samples to research microplastics, metal and nutrient content of the snow on the Peninsula, revealing just how we are affecting the most remote areas on the planet.

Lt Cdr Paul Hart RNR, Expedition Leader, said: “Having spent five weeks on the white continent, this amazing and unique environment has worked its way into our hearts and souls. Despite all the battles with the weather and the terrain, it’s simply true that Antarctica is bewitching and gains a hold on you. It’s for this very reason we came down here, to do work that will help us protect and preserve this wonderful environment and, hopefully, the wider world.”

Atlantic Flyers: Rowing across the Atlantic (2021)

A gruelling Atlantic rowing challenge undertaken by four RAF Pilots in December 2021: Rowing at speed for over 3,000 miles, travelling west from San Sebastian in La Gomera, Canary Islands, to Nelson’s Dockyard English Harbour, Antigua and Barbuda. The ‘Atlantic Flyers’ (Wing Commander Phil Holdcroft, Squadron Leader Sonny Roe, Flight Lieutenant Simon Berry, and Flight Lieutenant Chris Carrington-Smith) completed the challenge in 36 days, working in pairs for two-hour shifts to cover the distance in around 1.5 million oar strokes. They each lost around 12kg during the challenge and battled waves up to 20 ft high, stomach cramps, sleep deprivation, hallucinations, salt sores, and hunger, and finished second – a huge achievement!

The team took on this epic challenge to raise funds for the Starlight Children’s Foundation in honour of Wing Commander Phil Holdcroft’s daughter, Isla, who was diagnosed with Leukaemia at just 22 months old. The team raised an amazing £40,000 for Starlight on their row!

Climb to Recovery: Climbing Courses for WIS Veterans (2020 onwards)

Supported by Team Forces since 2020, Climb to Recovery (C2R) was set up by wounded veterans for other wounded, injured and sick (WIS) veterans and service personnel. C2R delivers a versatile and progressive programme of climbing and mountaineering that provides participants with a variety of options to access the outdoors, make friends, learn skills and gain qualifications. Each course consists of a teaching element, with beneficiaries working in small teams under the supervision of an instructor to develop skills and independence. The programme not only develops climbing skills but also builds confidence, resilience, and self-esteem; beneficiaries also develop friendships, improve communication skills, and overcome significant challenges. Together this leads to a tremendous sense of achievement, satisfaction and enjoyment.

C2R’s 2022 core programmes supported over 100 unique veterans on 16 residential courses. Many participants go on to use their experience and qualifications to take friends and families into the outdoors, to volunteer with scout or cadet groups, and to transition or return to employment.

Avon Protection looks forward to continuing its support of the Team Forces Foundation on behalf of all its employees worldwide. You may also be interested in reading more about Avon Protection’s sponsorship of the Forces Wives Challenge ‘Ride to Freedom’ here.