Veterans are finding relief for anxiety, depression, and PTSD-related symptoms in an unlikely place: Beehives we are looking to source funding for a monthly club for the service community, we are already overwhelmed with responses to our survey in 2020 from veterans and first responders.

We hope to get the programme going in 2021

There are many advantages to beekeeping.  Foremost to persons with disabilities, is the advantage of choosing equipment that best suits your ability to work hives (lifting and moving).  Beekeeping is primarily a solo or small group occupation and is not normally something that is done in large crowds, congested areas or noisy locations.

Working bees requires that you be conscious and “in the moment”.  Honey bees will quickly remind someone who has drifted mentally to other thoughts or stressors in a progressive manner, starting with a change in the sound of the hive, progressing to bumping the beekeeper and buzzing around their heads prior to attempting to sting.   Working the hives can be very relaxing, as can sitting and watching the bees come and go.

Harvesting honey from your bees can also provide some income as can raising bees for sale to the beekeeping community.  The amount of income is proportional to the level of work put into keeping the bees and the number of hives maintained.  It is possible to start with a couple of hives and work up to hundreds over time or to stay with just a couple.