A Staffordshire bushcraft skills organisation, which has won the support of adventurer and TV presenter, Ben Fogle, is calling on the local business community for support.
Founded by former Staffordshire Regiment infantry soldier Michael Vaughan, Staffordshire Bushcraft works with ex-military, blue light emergency services, and women to teach a wide range of survival skills.
But Michael believes there is a wider legacy around improving mental health and wellbeing, arising from the bushcraft sessions held in woodland on the Sandon Hall Estate, near Stone.
Michael from Stoke is also creating his own legacy as the 47-year-old is suffering from stage four inoperable cancer in his groin and one leg .
Bushcraft sessions, including navigation skills, foraging, land management, fire building, and survival skills are specifically designed to raise confidence.
The Community Interest Company is not for profit and relies on outside support to cover costs and stage events.
“At each event, we have reserved places for armed forces veterans, former police, fire, and ambulance personnel, and what we call Women in the Wild, and these are allowed to be booked ahead of interest from the general public,” explained Michael.
“I have sponsors who provide support in kind, such as Ben Fogle and his outdoor clothing brand called Buffalo Systems, and fellow clothing brand Deerhunter, but we know we could add to our free work with more financial support.”
“In exchange, there’s a chance for companies to join us on team building exercises in the Staffordshire countryside.”
Michael said there would be opportunities in future for Ben Fogle to join Staffordshire Bushcraft on weekend sessions.
He added: “We have around 13 sessions a year and I see them more as life enhancing experiences than workshops. In the past, we have benefited from funding from the Veterans Association charity and a generous sponsorship from Stoke-on-Trent veterans’ run firm Black Onyx. Others help with donations of equipment, which is brilliant, and I have invested my pension into creating and running what I believe to be a valuable community asset.”
Supporter John Adams, of A&C Contractors, said: “Michael is a real force for good and deserves all the support local companies can muster. Many ex-service and emergency services officers struggle with PTSD and adapting to life away from their former strict routines. I know times are tough for many companies right now, but please do help if you can.”
