AN entrepreneur has joined forces with a veterans garden therapy group to help them back into employment.

Social enterprise, Entrepreneurs Unlocked, offers veterans of the armed forces a route into self-employment, with the launch of the Defender to Entrepreneur programme.

David Morgan, the founder of the Bolton-based company, launched the Defender to Entrepreneur programme as part of the Defence Garden Scheme (DGS).

DGS is a nationwide network of gardens that helps to fill the gap in mental health support, for veterans of the armed forces, by increasing access to nature-based therapy. DGS currently operates across four gardens throughout the UK.

David Morgan developed and introduced the Defender to Entrepreneur programme to DGS, offering mentoring and support to veterans showing interest in the potential progression into self-employment.

David Morgan said: “I have been honoured to learn more about the veteran’s community and to offer tailored support and guidance to them. I see this programme as just the start of a long collaboration with DGS, and I look forward to our work and successful outcomes in the future.”

Sally Coulthard, CEO of DGS, said: “DGS offers an opportunity for members of the armed forces community, needing some time and space, to consider their future, and to benefit from nature-based therapy. The Defender to Entrepreneur blended learning programme is an invaluable addition to the progression options that are offered to military veterans.

“I want to thank David Morgan and Entrepreneurs Unlocked, for giving the veterans who attend our sessions an opportunity to consider, and with David’s guidance, work towards self-employment in horticulture.”