20 Issue No. 42 After 35 years’ service in the RAF Regiment, I retired in 2015 as a Warrant Officer. Earlier this year, during a conversation with the National Treasurer at the Tower, he asked me to share something about the organisation I am now proud to serve. That organisation is the Brooke House Health and Wellbeing Centre—a place unlike any other I have worked in before. Set within the peaceful and historic Colebrooke Estate in County Fermanagh, Brooke House is a registered charity dedicated to supporting former members of the uniformed services and their families. Its mission is clear and compassionate: to provide safe, specialist services for those physically injured, psychologically affected, or bereaved because of their service. Just as importantly, the centre recognises that trauma seldom affects only one person. Families, partners, and carers often carry their own hidden wounds, and Brooke House is designed to support them too. Brooke House: Where Veterans and Families Find Space to Heal By Graham “Spike” Thompson A Holistic Approach to Recovery Every journey at Brooke House begins with an individual assessment. Whether clients are referred or self-refer, no two care plans are the same. Instead, the centre creates bespoke, wraparound packages of interventions tailored to each person’s needs. For many, traditional therapy is complemented by confidence-building activities. Fishing, model making, and similar pursuits help hypervigilant or isolated individuals relax, trust their surroundings, and begin forming therapeutic relationships. Complementary therapies—such as massage, reflexology, physiotherapy, and acupuncture—offer relief to those grappling with anxiety, insomnia, or chronic pain. The estate itself becomes part of the healing process. Modern, home-like treatment rooms sit among gardens, courtyards, and woodland, allowing nature to act as a quiet partner in recovery. Nature, Horses, and the Power of Creativity One of the most distinctive aspects of Brooke House is its nature-based therapy programme. Trained horticultural and equine therapists deliver sessions that blend gardening, mindfulness, and horsemanship. Working with the horses— particularly their calm presence and heightened sensitivity—helps many clients access emotions and insights that can be difficult to reach through talk therapy alone. Music therapy adds another creative outlet, combining music, poetry, and storytelling to help participants release stress and reconnect with a sense of inner calm. Residential Support for Families Brooke House also provides a Structured Residential Programme for families. After an initial assessment, a full week of activities and care is designed around the needs of each family unit. Many choose to stay on through the weekend to consolidate their progress and enjoy restorative respite time together.
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