What is it? A programme that delivers free workshops run by veterans in schools nationwide with the purpose to inspire and motivate pupils from all walks of life. The workshops are inspired by the stories of Blesma Members. Blesma, The Limbless Veterans is an organisation that supports serving and ex-Service men and women who have lost limbs, or the use of limbs or eyes. The Workshops The veterans will first tell their story of overcoming adversity. After their talk and a Q&A, they will assist a professional workshop facilitator in leading a motivational workshop in which your students will explore the reality of adversity and how they can become resilient and set themselves goals for the future. We recommend these workshops for Years 9 and above, with up to 30 students per group. We will work with you to understand what you hope to achieve from the workshop - they are designed to be flexible to meet your needs as a school. Our Members are also able to deliver assemblies and lectures. Our Aim Is To: Inspire your students with the Blesma Members’ stories of resilience Improve confidence and self-esteem, and make individuals realise that we all go through tough times Help students to understand what it is to overcome adversity Work with your students to help them set goals for the future ‘I’ll definitely take away a more positive outlook.’ Workshop Student 2015 ‘I've got a few fears, and it made me realise that you can’t let fear define you.’ Workshop Student 2015 The Blesma Community Programme
Transcript
What is it? A programme that delivers free workshops run by veterans in schools nationwide with the
purpose to inspire and motivate pupils from all walks of life.
The workshops are inspired by the stories of Blesma Members. Blesma, The Limbless
Veterans is an organisation that supports serving and ex-Service men and women who
have lost limbs, or the use of limbs or eyes.
The Workshops
The veterans will first tell their story of overcoming adversity. After their talk and a Q&A,
they will assist a professional workshop facilitator in leading a motivational workshop in
which your students will explore the reality of adversity and how they can become
resilient and set themselves goals for the future.
We recommend these workshops for Years 9 and above, with up to 30 students per
group. We will work with you to understand what you hope to achieve from the workshop
- they are designed to be flexible to meet your needs as a school. Our Members are also
able to deliver assemblies and lectures.
Our Aim Is To: Inspire your students with the Blesma Members’ stories of resilience
Improve confidence and self-esteem, and make individuals realise that we all go
through tough times
Help students to understand what it is to overcome adversity
Work with your students to help them set
goals for the future ‘I’ll definitely take away a more
positive outlook.’
Workshop Student 2015
‘I've got a few fears, and it made me
realise that you can’t let fear define you.’
Workshop Student 2015
The Blesma Community Programme
What space and equipment is required, what will it cost?
The workshop is FREE.
A projector screen and seating will be required for the Blesma Member’s talk.
For the practical section of the workshop we will need a space large enough for the
students to move around - a school hall/drama room is ideal.
What is the length of the workshop, what is the recommended group size?
The workshops can last between 1.5 hours and 3 hours depending on the time that
you have available. Our Blesma Members are also available to tell their stories within
assemblies/ lectures.
We recommend these workshops for Years 9 and above, with up to 30 students per
group.
When will the workshops be available? Workshops will be running from March - July 2016 and dates are flexible to suit your
school.
Darren ‘Swifty’ Swift - Blesma Member/ Workshop Facilitator
Swifty joined the army (Royal Green Jackets) in 1982. During his third
tour of Northern Ireland he was involved in a terrorist attack
resulting in the loss of both of his
A little information about some of the inspiring Blesma
Members who could be sharing their stories with you :
legs and various other
injuries. He now works as
an actor and public
speaker: work includes :
Travelling Light - National
Theatre and the award-winning The Two Worlds of
Charlie F - Bravo 22. He is currently training with PSGB
(Para-Snowsports Great Britain) and AFPST (Armed
Forces Para-Snowsports Team) with his sights set on
