Shore Leave Haslar

Reconnecting Through Nature – Shore Leave Haslar

Shore Leave Haslar is a community project based in Gosport’s historic walled gardens, where Veterans find restoration not just through therapy, but through nature’s quiet power and the steady companionship of others.

The Challenge

Many Veterans leaving service face:

• Feelings of isolation or loss of identity
• Lingering effects of trauma or anxiety
• Reduced sense of purpose in daily life

Our Approach

The League of Remembrance is proud to support Shore Leave Haslar – a therapeutic horticulture project that offers:

• Welcoming, inclusive spaces for Veterans to gather, reflect, and participate
• Safe, structured gardening activities that rebuild routine and skills
• Ready access to a supportive community and peer understanding

Our support enabled Shore Leave Haslar to purchase new tools and materials, making the gardens accessible to more Veterans.

The Impact of Horticultural Therapy

At Shore Leave Haslar, the value of gardening extends far beyond the soil:

• Improves physical health and strength
• Provides mental focus and calm
• Reduces feelings of anxiety and stress
• Fosters new friendships and a sense of belonging

Each season offers fresh starts and measured progress, mirroring the patience and perseverance of the Veteran community.

More Than Tools – A Place to Grow

The new tools we provided do more than enable planting. They help Veterans to:

• Take part in something meaningful
• Experience achievement in group and solo projects
• Restore self-confidence and find renewed direction

Weekly tasks range from planting and tending gardens to arts, crafts, and shared tea breaks; always carried out in an atmosphere of respect and encouragement.

Aligned Missions

Our partnership with Shore Leave Haslar embodies the League’s broader mission:

• Honouring service through practical, inclusive support
• Fostering dignity, independence, and renewed purpose
• Building resilient communities through simple acts of care

Join Us

Whether you choose to volunteer your time, donate (however small the amount), or share our story, you can help us to continue our work supporting incredible people and projects like Shore Leave Haslar. Please get in touch.