Veteran Support Programmes
Over the years, Waterloo Uncovered has grown from an idea between two Coldstream Guardsmen to support their fellow VSMP using archaeology, to an international charity that has helped hundreds of veterans find peace from war. As the charity has expanded and developed, so too has the scope of support programmes.
In addition to our annual excavation on the Waterloo Battlefield, we now offer a varied range of online and in person programmes, all of which use archaeology as a primary tool to improve the wellbeing, education and recovery of our participants.
No specific archaeological experience or knowledge is required to take part in our work – all training will be done as part of our programmes. We accept veterans, serving personnel and adult military family members from all demographics, services and walks of life, and strive to offer a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone is welcome.
Our prospectus, including information on how to apply for each programme, can be found here. If you are a veteran or a serving member of the armed forces and you’re interested in enrolling on one of our programmes, please get in touch and we can support you in how to do this. Please note that places are very limited and applications will close when places have been filled.
Waterloo Uncovered programmes run year round. They are designed to maximise support whilst avoiding long term dependency. Participants will be an integral part of our work and team from application to the conclusion of the programme, and will continue to be part of the Waterloo Uncovered community afterwards.
Many of the VSMP we support have experienced service-related wounds and injuries or suffer from a range of mental health conditions. Taking part in a Waterloo Uncovered support programme can help rebuild wellbeing and confidence, give the opportunity to learn new skills and provide a great forum to mix with people from a variety of backgrounds with shared experiences.
Participants on all our programmes are supported by our expert wellbeing and support team who help encourage them along their journey to recovery. It’s important to note that our support is not the same as clinical therapy, but it is light-touch and aims to leave participants with improved tools for managing day-to-day situations. All those who enrol with us work towards their own
set of personal goals and have the chance to immerse themselves within an important part of history, with a likeminded group of people. Our programmes and the support offered are structured around the nationally recognised Five Ways to Wellbeing: Connect, Learn, Be Active, Take Notice and Give Back.
Excavation Programme
Similar to the Virtual Programme, this programme will also encourage veterans to use mindful techniques and to engage in archaeology with a powerful emphasis on wellbeing. The key difference is that this programme offers a practical and immersive experience with a two week trip to Belgium for hands-on excavation with a team of world renowned archaeologists.
As with all our programmes, the Excavation Programme places a strong emphasis on improving mental wellbeing and offers the space for Veterans to engage with a new group of people, archaeologists, students & international VSMP. Our professional and experienced Wellbeing & Support team will be available to provide help and assistance to our participants whenever they may need it.
Finds Programme
The Finds Programme provides training for veterans to develop a handling collection that they will use to teach others about the benefits of archaeology for mental wellbeing. This programme not only cultivates and fosters a lasting connection to heritage, but it also gives participants the chance to discuss a number of sensitive topics, such as death, loss, injury and trauma.
Participants will build physical and digital assemblages over the period of a year. It will provide them with an opportunity to re-engage with the military community and to explore the historical context of the Battle of Waterloo in ways which may resonate with their own military experience.
Finds Collections
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Battlefields Uncovered
Battlefields Uncovered I
Ideally suited to those who may be interested in gaining news skills through engaging lectures and seminars with a particular focus on history and archaeology, participants will journey across the globe and through the ages, starting with the Battle of Waterloo, to discover what investigating conflict can reveal about the past, the present and even ourselves.
This programme consists of lectures, seminars and interactive workshops hosted by a range of expert lecturers and leading scholars, totalling 30 hours of online learning content spread over three months (roughly 2 hours a week). Friendly discussions groups and social events will be held regularly to help combat the isolation that can be felt over winter.
Battlefields Uncovered II
After graduating from our online military history course, Battlefields Uncovered, a group of veterans are offered the chance to continue their studies in the second part of the course - taking on an academic essay or a museum placement.
This offered them the opportunity to develop their historical and archaeological skill set further and to continue to share their experiences with the group.
Past Programmes
Over the years, we're run a number of unique programmes to support veterans and serving personnel.
Virtual Programme
2020 - 2022
The content of this programme focuses on many aspects of Waterloo – the battle itself, the history surrounding it, and of course its archaeology. Participants will have the opportunity to learn fundamental archaeological skills and techniques in addition to virtual museum trips, including a behind the scenes preview of the most prestigious collections at the British Museum with its top curators.
The virtual programme will encourage veterans to use mindful techniques and to engage in archaeology – with a focus on the Battle of Waterloo – in a new and meaningful way with a powerful emphasis on wellbeing.
Creative Arts Programme
2021 - 2022
The Creative Arts Programme was launched in 2021, to reflect our commitment to developing stimulating, mindful and creative workshops that include art, writing and poetry.
This programme presents an opportunity to re-engage with the military community and to explore the historical context of the Battle of Waterloo in ways which may resonate with their own military experience. Participants will be encouraged to achieve a different, positive perspective on their personal experiences, whilst developing a new interest.
Veterans' Work
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Hidden Histories: Women of Waterloo
2022
Hidden Histories: Women of Waterloo was an innovative virtual heritage and arts programme taught by experts in history, educational wargaming and creative writing. It was the first Waterloo Uncovered online programme for and about military spouses, extending our support to those who would normally be in a supporting role themselves.
The team, led by archaeologist Sarah Dhanjal and historical novelist Katy Moran, hosted live panels featuring expert historians and weekly virtual sessions exploring the lives of women at Waterloo and beyond. These sessions examined first-hand accounts, historical documents and more to uncover important stories that have often gone ignored in narratives of the Battle, as well as tapping into the modern-day experiences of the programme’s participant.
Participants were welcomed into a a friendly group of like-minded military spouses, with whom they were able to discuss their shared experiences while learning more about the untold experiences of women more than 200 years ago, all whilst receiving year-round support from our expert wellbeing team.
Veterans' Work
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Programmes Reunions
In January, we hosted a reunion for the participants of all our 2021 Programmes, celebrating their hard work and achievements over the last year. Watch the highlight video from the reunion to find out more.
Click below to see more highlights from our 2022 and 2021 Programmes!
