The Gentleman Magazine Issue 20 | April 2020 | Page 83

Starting on 1st April she will travel down the country and hope
that she will meet supporters along the way.
Helpline: 0300 123088
GWT Facebook page: @TheGamekeepersWelfareTrust
GWT Conquering CastleChallenge Facebook page:
@GWTConqueringCastlesChallenge
Year of the Gamekeeper Just Giving page:
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/GWTYOTG2020
Website: http://www.thegamekeeperswelfaretrust.com/
Mental Health is a major issue especially when shotguns and
firearms are part of the tools of the trade for gamekeeperrs.
The Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust are working with other
organisations in partnership with the police to alleviate the fear
of going to a doctor’s surgery for fear of losing their license
which can lead to loss of livelihood and their home. A training
course has been developed working with Marines for whom
their identity is similarly important, and a male dominated
profession. Stag Training can be held anywhere in the country
offering practical tips on the professional journey, resilience
and coping strategies.
The Year of the Gamekeeper is an important watershed for the
Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust in asking anyone associated in the
country sports to help us reach our goal of £220,000 and do
one thing for the Trust in 2020. There is no doubt that support
will be needed more than ever as the NHS and social care
experience further demand, housing continues to be a major
issue and the profession is under greater scrutiny and pressure
than ever before by various lobbying groups and environmental
campaigners. The irony is of course that Gamekeepers are the
greatest advocates of sustainable environments and the flora
and fauna which exists in the UK and a wealth of knowledge
which cannot be replicated by science.
Along with all the major shooting organisations (shown in the
banner) it is hoped that anyone who needs help will know how
to reach support and not suffer in silence.
The Gamekeepers Welfare Trust has events in the diary and
will be attending The Shooting Show, Northern Shooting Show,
GWCT Scone Game Fair, The Game Fair, Highland Fieldsports
Fair and others. Amongst the events organised for the
Gamekeepers Welfare Trust is a Clay Shoot held at Bisley
Braidwood on 26th April and Stag Training events around the
country.
There is also a major challenge for Helen Benson CEO of the
Trust who is undertaking the Conquering Castle Challenge in
April which incorporates the Castle of Mey to Balmoral to
Holyrood, down to Caernarfon, Highgrove and Duchy of
Cornwall, back up to Windsor and finish at Sandringham.
Mode of transport? Every mode of transport gamekeepers
have used over the years from boots to pony, to bicycle, Austin
7 van, series 1 Landrover, quad bike, argocat, boat, snowbike,
soft track, mule/gaiter, gunbus, tractor to mention a few.
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