HMS Queen Elizabeth pioneers mental and physical health drive at sea on Nato deployment
HMS Queen Elizabeth has pioneered a wide range of health and wellbeing initiatives whilst deployed to northern Europe with Nato.
All personnel on the Navy carrier got involved in the 'Flagship Performance' programme, probably the most comprehensive fitness/mental health initiative ever devised on a Navy warship, according to the Navy.
All 1,000-plus personnel received a hardback book outlining how to stay fit onboard, as well as supporting activities and events and plant-based high protein options at every meal.
The initiative was founded on six 'pillars' - sleep, daylight (getting some), nutrition, movement, mindset and connection.
In all, some 300 sessions/activities were organised across the ship, at no extra cost to the crew and with all events fitting around the carrier's operational programme.
Lieutenant Commander Oliver Hounslow, Training Management Officer on HMS Queen Elizabeth, said the programme was launched "using the mantra of 'healthy body, healthy mind".
This was "to encourage ownership of physical and mental health, drive engagement with communal activity, and push an agenda of personal and professional development".
More than 40 events were organised onboard by 'ambassadors', drawn out from across the ship's crew.
Able Seaman Francis Raptis, a keen weightlifter and a member of HMS Queen Elizabeth's meteorological department, said he would be an ambassador as he is "a big believer in the power of exercise".
"It can be difficult for a lot of people at sea, particularly when the deployment is lengthy and when there is the consideration of family affairs at home," he said.
"Being a flagship performance ambassador gives me the opportunity to enable people on board who may feel lost and confused to realise the great power of exercise in boosting resilience and building a strong and determined outlook."
Another ambassador, Able Seaman Adam Gater, organised training classes to educate the crew on how to look after each other's mental health.
"It is sometimes easier to talk to a close friend down the mess before going to sickbay," he said.
"Therefore having better distributed training among the fleet could benefit anyone regardless of rank."
The fitness activities included staples of the Royal Navy, including circuits in the hangar, indoor rowing, spinning, judo and muay Thai.
Additionally, dedicated female weightlifting sessions, from beginners up to clean-and-jerk standard, were introduced.
A number of events were held to encourage social connection, whilst also allowing people to develop new skills or hone old ones.
Lessons were held in four different languages, with sailors enjoying chess clubs, debates, discussions of modern warfare theory and access to an extensive library.
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