Greenwich Hospital has awarded a grant of £35,901 to the BOWRA Foundation to strengthen its rehabilitation and recovery programme for former Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel recovering from brain injury.
The award will fund a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator to recruit, train and support more than 30 veterans who have already expressed an interest in volunteering. The coordinator will establish a structured volunteer programme, ensuring volunteers, many of whom are Royal Navy and Royal Marines veterans, receive safeguarding, acquired brain injury (ABI)-specific and role-based training so they can confidently and safely support vulnerable beneficiaries during rehabilitation activities.
Founded in 2019 by former Royal Marines Lt Col Mark Bowra MBE following his recovery from a life-changing stroke, the BOWRA Foundation’s purpose is to promote and pursue the physical and psychological wellbeing, rehabilitation and recovery of those living with the effects of brain injury by leveraging the skills and experience of members of the armed forces community alongside other volunteers.
BOWRA runs inclusive activities that help people rebuild confidence, connection and physical ability at their own pace, with support around them. The BOWRA Bag is a rucksack complete with a specially assembled toolkit of practical items designed to support people in the early stages of rehabilitation, fostering independence, communication and recovery.
Building on the success of its Dorset delivery model, BOWRA is expanding its rehabilitation programme across the Southwest, where there is a significant Royal Navy and Royal Marines presence, with ambitions to extend the model nationwide. The funding will enable the Charity to increase access to adaptive sports and rehabilitation activities, including golf, water sports and surfing, while supporting new activities planned for 2026.
By developing a trained volunteer network, BOWRA will increase the reach and long-term sustainability of its services, creating positive outcomes for veterans and other people living with acquired brain injuries.
Deirdre Mills, Director of Greenwich Hospital, said:
“By investing in BOWRA’s Foundation volunteer programme, we are helping to create a sustainable model that will expand access to rehabilitation activities and opportunities for recovery, enabling more members of the Royal Navy community to benefit from the specialist support provided by the Charity.”
Sue Mosley, Chief Executive of the BOWRA Foundation, said:
"We are delighted that Greenwich Hospital recognises that veteran volunteers are at the heart of our approach. Their lived experience, empathy and encouragement make a real difference to those recovering from a life-changing injury or neurological condition. This funding allows us to recruit, train and support more volunteers, helping us expand our rehabilitation programme and reach more members of the Royal Navy community."