“Exercise Northern Rock-Warrior” deployed 14 individuals, from the newly formed 215 (Scottish) Multirole Medical Regiment to Sardinia, Italy for a rock-climbing expedition with foundations in mental resilience and wellness training.
Prior to deployment the expedition leader and second in command, (both climbing instructors) put together a business case, fundraised, carried out a medical recce to Sardinia, created a thorough medical plan in case of any incidents, produced the necessary risk assessments and obtained diplomatic clearance to train abroad. Within the unit, we are in the very privileged position of having a GP with specialist interest in physical wellness, (who also happens to be a yoga Physical Training Instructor!). So we ‘roped him-in’. Thorough preparation and the recce were invaluable in allowing us to provide the best possible training opportunities for the team once deployed. A survey was conducted before and after the expedition to capture the outcomes of the trip and it makes for inspirational reading, some quotes are included below.
The first challenge of the expedition began on 21st October with 14 individuals travelling from various detachments across Scotland and Northern England to reach Glasgow, through Storm Babet! The outbound journey from Glasgow to Olbia, Sardinia, included a 6.5-hour layover in Frankfurt where we demonstrated our wellness mission. Engagement with the aims of the expedition had started early with potential participant interviews 6 months prior to the expedition, briefings in preparation for departure then our first yoga and mindfulness session in Frankfurt Airport – an entertaining sight for all international travellers that day! The team were enthusiastic and open-minded from the outset. The expedition was structured around the rock climbing single-pitch foundation course for 10 novice rock climbers and the main additional aim was to provide tools to improve mental resilience and wellness through structured reflections and mindfulness.
Once in-country, we worked as a close team in every aspect: we travelled to all locations in convoy in two vehicle teams, shopped, cooked and ate together, climbed together, did yoga at least once daily, meditated and candidly shared thoughts and ideas around wellness. Early in the expedition, the tone was set to being motivational, explorative, encouraging, supportive and open-minded. Every individual contributed to this positivity with wholehearted commitment, creating a wonderful atmosphere throughout: “The trip only affected my wellness in a positive way. Talking about negative experiences with other people was a great eye opener, knowing I wasn’t the only person feeling low before the trip, striving to survive and understanding my emotions”.
The six main activity days were spent with around 7 hours of rock climbing including climbing fundamentals, technique, progression to lead climbing, abseiling and an introduction to multi-pitch rock climbing. Hot-debriefs throughout the day were designed to assist with a problem-solving attitude towards rock climbing as well as fear management through breathing exercises and positive self-talk. A number of individuals on the team had volunteered despite a debilitating fear of heights but their determination and grit inspired all of us. “Perspective – just being at the top of a big old rock thinking life’s good and I actually don’t need to worry about anything. Self-belief – feeling more confident in my skills and abilities. Courage – being scared to do things but doing them anyway and feeling great for it!” Every participant on the course achieved the rock climbing single pitch foundation qualification and progressed through bespoke additional climbing skills, suited to their interests and capability. In short, the climbing aims of the exercise were easily achieved and exceeded. “Climbing is awesome! Finding different ways to manage my stress a bit better and looking after myself more isn’t as impossible as it seems. Everyone has similar concerns and hearing other people’s methods of dealing with things was really helpful”.
The yoga sessions were used to warm up before and stretch off after climbing and feedback from individuals since returning from the expedition is that they have enjoyed incorporating yoga into their daily routines. “I enjoyed the yoga – nice to stretch and take time relaxing and feeling refreshed. Being part of the team and making new relationships is good for mental health and well-being. Succeeding in the climbing has a positive effect on wellness showing that if you try and put your mind to something you can do it.” In addition to yoga sessions at sunrise, in the moonlight on the beach and prior to climbing, individuals spent time focusing on breathing exercises and meditation which can be used as tools for managing stress in everyday life.
In the evenings, we had structured, small-group reflection sessions on topics related to wellness. The team discussed sleep, eating choices, harmful substances, healthy relationships, prioritisation and mental health, topics which can be sensitive and very personal. It is felt by all that the tone which was set at the start of the expedition and the sense of teamwork and morale generated, allowed individuals to discuss their challenges and fears while being supported by the rest of the team. The discussions were valuable not only for individuals in learning tools for improving their own wellness but for team cohesion in the context of a newly formed unit. This was especially valuable because a number of individuals had never met prior to the expedition: “New friends I have made, talking through things each day/night and realising other people are going through or have been through the same things and there is always an up.”
Overall, Exercise Northern Rock-Warrior met and exceeded its aims. The feedback has been inspirational, and the model used for the exercise can be replicated and adapted to other expeditions in the future. Rock climbing is an invaluable vector for generating an atmosphere of challenge and opportunities for building mental resilience. In the current social climate, people from all walks of life are engaging in ways of improving their sense of wellness and this exercise provided tools and opportunities for doing so. “This trip was a vital part of my mental health journey, something I didn’t really think would help and I could deal with everything on my own behind closed doors. However, this was far from that, this trip helped me in so many ways. It took my mind off my emotions and made me concentrate on climbing and working in a team. I have learned so much from climbing but I have also learnt from the people I was with. Having the instructors we had, showed a change in how the army help with mental health, again something I didn’t have confidence or trust in, but anytime I need a break they didn’t push or force anything and that was something I needed!”.”
