Adventurer backs bookbinding project linked to Help for Heroes

Grylls is patron to the Wiltshire Barn Project, a craft-based charity that supports wounded ex-service personnel through bookbinding.

The project provides training, qualifications and employment opportunities for wounded veterans.

Grylls spent time at the Wiltshire Barn Project, in Woodborough, to get a deeper understanding of how bookbinding can help wounded veterans on their road to recovery.

While there, Grylls spent time with veterans from the Help for Heroes-run Recovery Centre, Tedworth House, who are in the process of a bookbinding course.

Wiltshire Barn Project patron Bear Grylls said “It is very moving to see close up the way tasks like intricate bookbinding, can be such a powerful therapy to those who have gone through such pain and heartache.

"These are tough service personnel who have given their all for our country and I am so proud to be patron to the Wiltshire Barn Project, providing a very real way of helping heal scars through community, friendship and pride in your work.'

Tedworth House is one of four recovery centres run by Help for Heroes, which forms part of the Defence Recovery Capability.

Tedworth House aims to inspire the wounded, injured and sick and returning veterans to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives, which will enable them to reach their full potential and to support them and their families for life. 

Veteran Garry Hallam and wife Nicki, said: “It was really nice to meet a grounded celebrity like Bear. It’s great to meet a celeb who is normal and really appreciates what we’re doing.

"Bookbinding is a very relaxing and therapeutic activity; we would highly recommend it.”

The Wiltshire Barn Project operates in two ways: it runs a classroom for training, practice and qualification in bookbinding, and also runs a workshop in which veterans manufacture high-quality stationery items for retail.

All profits from sales are ploughed back into the charity to fund further training.