Breaking Ground Heritage

Welcome to Breaking Ground Heritage

Breaking Ground Heritage was founded to harness the power of archaeology and heritage as a pathway to recovery and growth for the veteran community. Since our beginnings, we have created opportunities for hundreds of veterans to take part in meaningful, hands-on projects that not only preserve the past but also support wellbeing, identity, and belonging in the present.

Our work is grounded in evidence. Evaluations have shown that participation in heritage projects leads to measurable improvements in mental health: reductions in anxiety and depression, alongside significant increases in overall wellbeing. Beyond the statistics, veterans consistently describe powerful personal transformations. They speak of discovering new purpose, forming trusted friendships, and finding dignity in roles such as archaeologist, mentor, and researcher.

These outcomes do not happen by accident. They arise from the way heritage engagement mirrors the values of military life such as teamwork, routine, and shared mission while also creating space for personal reflection and growth. Projects such as archaeological excavations, conservation work, and creative arts programmes allow veterans to reconnect with themselves, each other, and their wider communities.

Our approach is inclusive and trauma-informed. There are no ranks, no uniforms, and no pressure, only encouragement, choice, and a shared sense of discovery. This creates safe and supportive environments where veterans can explore who they are beyond service, rebuild confidence, and contribute to something of lasting value.

Breaking Ground Heritage is more than a project. It is a community where the past becomes a resource for recovery, resilience, and new beginnings. Whether through excavation trenches, creative expression, or public exhibitions, we work alongside veterans to ensure their voices are heard, their skills are valued, and their futures are enriched.

Social Inclusion and Peer Support Networks

At the heart of Breaking Ground Heritage is the belief that recovery is not a solitary journey. Many veterans tell us that the hardest part of leaving service is the loss of the “military family” and the deep bonds of trust that come with it. Our projects create safe, welcoming spaces where those bonds can be rebuilt in new ways.

Working side by side in the trench, at a finds table, or around the campfire, participants form genuine friendships and rediscover the camaraderie they thought they had lost. These peer support networks often continue long after the project ends, offering veterans ongoing encouragement, understanding, and community.

Social inclusion is equally vital. By contributing to real heritage projects, veterans are not just receiving support, they are giving something back to society. This role as valued contributors helps reduce isolation, fosters dignity, and strengthens the bridge between veteran and civilian communities.

Breaking Ground Heritage is proud to nurture these networks, knowing they are a cornerstone of long-term wellbeing, resilience, and belonging.

Our Outcomes

Breaking Ground Heritage has been leading the way in demonstrating the value of engaging with heritage to support wellbeing. Our programmes deliver outcomes that go beyond recreation, creating lasting pathways to recovery, resilience, and renewed purpose. Our recent research has demonstrated:

Mental Health Improvements

Anxiety reduced by nearly 50% (average GAD-7 score dropped from 10.08 to 5.47).
Depression symptoms more than halved (average PHQ-8 score dropped from 12.3 to 6.7).
Wellbeing increased significantly (average WEMWBS score rose from 37.6 to 49.2), representing a large, clinically meaningful improvement.
More than 35 participants moved from clinical to non-clinical ranges for depression.

Identity and Purpose

Over 70% of participants reported gaining a new identity beyond military service.
Many adopted new valued roles such as archaeologist, mentor, or researcher.
Several participants went on to pursue higher education, vocational training, or heritage-related employment.

Social Belonging

80% of participants described feeling part of a team again, echoing the camaraderie of service.
Peer support networks often continue beyond the project, offering long-term encouragement and trust.
Veterans repeatedly describe the projects as “a new family” and “a place where you belong.”

Emotional and Psychological Growth

Participants reported greater emotional regulation and calm, with one stating: “Since I have been getting involved, a lot of my agitation and rage has subsided.”
Many described a renewed sense of strength and perspective, consistent with Post-Traumatic Growth.
Creative and reflective strands (such as poetry, art, and storytelling) supported safe exploration of emotions and built emotional literacy.

Community and Legacy

Veterans have contributed to nationally significant archaeological discoveries and local heritage projects.
Public exhibitions, talks, and publications ensure their voices are heard and valued.
These contributions strengthen bridges between the veteran community and wider society.

Breaking Ground Heritage outcomes are not just numbers. They represent lives changed, confidence rebuilt, and futures re-imagined. As one veteran put it: “I came for the archaeology, but I left with friends and a new outlook.”

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