THE University of Winchester has welcomed its first students funded by a pioneering initiative it established with the charity Help for Heroes.

A small group of wounded, injured and sick serving personnel and veterans have enrolled at the university to study for undergraduate degrees in archaeology.

The aim is to help them develop new skills as they recover from injuries and illnesses and move from the military into civilian life. It builds on the success of Operation Nightingale, a Ministry of Defence initiative developed by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and the Defence Archaeology Group. Operation Nightingale uses archaeological fieldwork to aid the recovery and skills development of service personnel and veterans injured in conflict.

The Heritage for Heroes concept arose from discussions between Giles Woodhouse, a former professional archaeologist, senior army officer and head of recovery south at the charity’s Tedworth House Recovery Centre in Wiltshire, and Dr Paul Everill, programme leader for undergraduate archaeology at Winchester.

Mr Woodhouse said: “Leaving the military can be daunting, especially for those who are living with life-changing injuries and illnesses. Working towards a new goal in life through career recovery can be extremely beneficial. I would like to thank the University of Winchester for supporting them.”

Dr Everill added: “Many of us who work in archaeology have come across former service personnel who, perhaps inspired by regiment or unit histories, have a profound interest in the past.

“In our discipline, this is combined with an outdoor working environment, often in difficult conditions, which generates camaraderie, team spirit and banter of the kind that is instantly recognisable to those from the military.

“We are delighted to be able to welcome new students through our partnership with Help for Heroes and to be able to open up higher education to those who might never have previously considered it.”

The initiative is particularly appropriate given the strong historic links between the City of Winchester and the military, including its role as the base for a number of infantry regiments and the location of a major First World War mobilisation camp. The Sir John Moores Barracks is also just outside the city at Worthy Down.

Colette Cherry, assistant vice-chancellor at the university, said: “We are thrilled to be involved. This is just one of a number of ways that we offer support.

“Earlier this year, we signed the Armed Forces Covenant and we are a member of the Universities in Support of Wounded, Injured and Sick Service Personnel network.”