THE team behind a community hub in Wincanton are celebrating one year of being open – and they’re marking it with a 40-mile hike.

Non-profit Got Your Six UK (GYSUK) originally opened its community hub in the town in June 2024 to offer a welcoming place to the whole community.

The hub boasts a Bank Vault Bookshop and a pre-loved shop, as well as offering therapeutic services tailored specifically for serving personnel, veterans, spouses, and their families.

While others may opt to celebrate the one-year anniversary simply with a cake, a core team of eight from GYSUK have instead set themselves the challenge of hiking from Weymouth to Wincanton.

The team will set off from the Veterans Hub Weymouth and Portland CIC on Friday, June 27 on a journey spanning more than 40 miles that will involve two nights of camping along the way.

GYSUK was founded by Tara Coyles-Gould — a military spouse and therapist—in 2022.

What began as a therapy service soon in Weymouth evolved into a full-time project with the opening of its Wincanton Community Hub.

Tara said: “This walk is important to us for many reasons.

“It’s not only about raising awareness of what we do, but more importantly, about bringing people together, getting out in nature, working as a team, building lasting bonds, and helping individuals regain a sense of belonging after leaving the military.

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“For some of our team, this is the first physical activity they’ve done since their time in service, so it’s a real challenge.

“Others are using it as an opportunity to set personal health goals and push themselves beyond their comfort zone.

“We have participants of all ages and abilities, each taking part for their own reasons.”

The social aspect of the Wincanton Hub plays a vital role in reducing isolation and supporting integration between civilian and military communities.

Weekly activities include drop-in clinics with local organisations—such as solicitors, mortgage advisors, and health coaches—alongside a Saturday morning breakfast club, evening socials and a popular monthly quiz night.

The hub also hosts talks, workshops, and open days throughout the year.

The hike not only marks one year since the expansion of the project but also highlights the impact GYSUK has had on the military community.

To date, GYSUK has provided over 500 hours of therapy and supported 76 clients, including 54 serving personnel or veterans, 13 military spouses or relatives, seven blue light workers, and eight civilians —some of whom fall into more than one category.

Of those supported, 63 presented with a mental health condition, 31 were experiencing current suicidal ideation, 34 had made previous suicide attempts, and 30 were struggling with addiction.

Suicide intervention skills have been used 14 times to prevent immediate risk of harm.

Hub user, Jon, said: “All of the build-up training has been a massive help to my mental health after going through some very bad times lately.

“I have been able to use these walks as time to reflect and put a plan in place for myself, surrounded by people who I trust and feel safe with.

“The actual walk has given me a target to focus on and a chance to be a part of a team again. For too long I have pushed people away or kept them at arm’s length.

“The GYSUK hub has become my extended family, and this is why I am proud to be part of this team. GYSUK literally does ‘have my six’.”

Anyone wishing to support the hike and the services GYSUK provides are asked to donate through the Crowdfunder page or in person at the Wincanton Hub.

The Community Hub and shops are open: Tuesday 10am to 1pm, Wednesday to Friday 10am to 4pm and Saturday 10am to 2pm 10am to 1pm, with evening and weekend events advertised on the website and social media pages.

For more information on the services provided, visit www.gotyoursix.uk