Our May 2025 BuildForceblog is from Caroline Logan:
Finding a new tribe is all about building new communities with shared values, shared purpose, a common interest; providing that safe place. A decade ago, BuildForce unexpectedly became my new tribe. As a single Mum navigating a new phase in life, I sought belonging beyond motherhood. The BuildForce team inspired me, and in supporting and guiding our military candidates, I found my purpose and passion.
As BuildForce evolved, so did I. We fostered communities through mentorship, employer partnerships, and a shared dedication to people and their mental health. Leading our Sports&WellbeingProgramme has been particularly rewarding; a new community, bringing together our service leavers, our veterans, mentors and employers to bond through sport on the rugby pitch, football pitch, marathon track and ringside of a boxing match, from not really knowing each other, to forming a new tribe.
On ArmedForcesDay, every year a new community comes together to ‘walk and talk’ over 15 miles in the Dorset countryside, again starting as strangers and as we while away the miles, we share our stories, we laugh, we cry, and by the end, when we reach the pub, we continue as comrades as we look forward to the next year’s walk; same day, same place, new route, new faces! Come and join this year’s tribe, 28th June, Cranborne, more information here: https://lnkd.in/eyNvM86h
For me, running has been vital for my well-being, it clears my mind, boosts my energy, and strengthens me for the day ahead. Organising running communities for events like the Bath Half Marathon and more recently our 51-mile Ultra has been hugely fulfilling. The camaraderie, support, and encouragement from these groups have been my pillar through tough times, proving that shared passions create strong bonds.
Thank you to those who have recently donated to our ‘Ultra Originals’, we have raised an incredible £4,627; call to action can we smash our target and get this up to 5k? Your generous contributions support our military candidates find their new tribes as they transition from service life to civilian.
We are always looking for further sporting activities and to create further communities, so please do reach out if you would like to take part and find your new tribe: info@buildforce.org.uk
And finally, I would like to say a huge heartfelt thank you to all the incredible people I have had the privilege to meet on my journey; you have inspired me, helped me navigate some challenging times and have brought me great joy over the years, and just as I found, with the BuildForce team on your side, you are never alone.