FROM RECOVERY TO REHABILITATION TO RESKILLING: SHIFTING THE EMPHASIS
Channel: European Association of Archaeologists
Date: 2021-01-23

The relationship between archaeology and the military has a long and important history in the UK, particularly in terms of previous military training proving beneficial in the organisation of large field projects. About a decade ago a shift in the landscape of UK military charities signalled a changing relationship between service personnel and the civilian population. With a greater awareness of the physical and mental health impact on those returning from deployment, and perhaps a greater awareness of gaps in existing state provision, new charities emerged to bolster the work of established bodies and, with them, new and innovative approaches to the recovery/ rehabilitation process. This included, with the establishment of Op Nightingale in 2012, the use of archaeology. Initially treated as simply providing a guiding framework for outdoor, team-based projects, the quality of the archaeological work quickly became a key consideration. Increasingly, archaeological specialists and professional organisations volunteered their time and expertise in support of these initiatives, helping widen the opportunities and supporting the establishment of new veteran-led organisations. Despite anecdotal evidence of the value of this approach, very few of those benefitting from the application of archaeology as a recovery vehicle pursued it beyond the confines of an excavation season. Indeed, one could argue, that for some the positive experiences it provided were negated by the cliff-edge that the end of the project, and a return to ‘normal’ life, heralded. In seeking a longer-term solution, the University of Winchester has offered fee-waiver degree studentships through Help for Heroes since 2016. These studentships can support a transition to archaeology as a career, though the primary goal is to open up Higher Education to those who might not otherwise have considered it. Early indications are very positive, and the work at Winchester will be expanded in the future.


Everill, Paul (University of Winchester)