Op Hearth

Supporting serving personnel, spouses, partners and Armed Forces families

Military life can be rewarding, but it can also be tough. You don't have to navigate it alone.

OP HEARTH is a dedicated Armed Forces support programme delivered by Green Paths Environmental Education CIC and run by current or former serving personnel and military spouses who understand first-hand the realities, challenges and pressures of military life.

Created with an understanding of the realities of military life, OP HEARTH provides a friendly and approachable place for serving personnel, spouses, partners and families to connect, find support, access trusted information and be introduced to organisations that can help.

Whether you're dealing with deployment, separation, SEND, education, employment, isolation, family pressures or simply want to meet people who understand military life, OP HEARTH is here.

Our Aim

Our aim is simple: to make sure Armed Forces families know where to turn when they need support.

We want to reduce isolation, strengthen military communities and help families access the right support earlier.

Sometimes people don't know what help exists. Sometimes they know, but don't know where to start. OP HEARTH helps bridge that gap.

What Do We Offer?

OP HEARTH brings together practical support, community activities and opportunities specifically for the Armed Forces community.

This includes:

• One-to-one support and signposting to trusted organisations and services.

• Warm referrals, helping people make that first connection rather than simply handing over a telephone number or website.

• Support around SEND and education, including information and guidance for military families.

• Spouse and partner support, including opportunities to build confidence, skills and connections.

• AQA-based learning and development opportunities.

• Family activities and events where military families can spend positive time together.

• Wellbeing and outdoor activities, including bushcraft, archery and nature-based sessions.

• Community groups and drop-ins, creating informal opportunities to meet others and ask for support.

• Information and connections with military charities, welfare services and local organisations.

Who Is OP HEARTH For?

OP HEARTH supports the wider Armed Forces community, with a particular focus on:

Serving personnel • Military spouses and partners • Armed Forces children and young people • Military families

You don't need to be in crisis to contact us.

Sometimes you might just have a question, need pointing in the right direction or want to find out what's happening locally.

That's exactly what OP HEARTH is here for.

Where Does It Happen?

OP HEARTH works within Armed Forces communities in North Devon and beyond, with activities, events and support delivered both within military communities and at Green Paths locations, including Arlington Court Home Farm.

Different activities take place throughout the year, so keep an eye on our upcoming sessions and events.

How Much Does It Cost?

All of OP HEARTH activities and support opportunities are FREE for eligible Armed Forces families, thanks to funding and partnership support.

Not Sure What Support You Need?

Get in touch anyway.

You don't need to know which organisation to contact or what service you need before speaking to us.

Tell us what's happening, and we'll help you work out the next step.

You Serve. We Support. Together We Thrive.

OP HEARTH – connecting Armed Forces families with people, opportunities and support that can make a difference.

Get Involved / Referrals

Families can self-refer or be referred by welfare teams, schools, or local organisations. There are no rank, service branch, or posting restrictions — the programme is open to all serving personnel, families and reservists.

We also welcome collaboration with welfare staff, teachers, and healthcare providers who wish to learn more or co-design additional support for their families.

All staff are DBS-checked, trauma-informed, and experienced in working with military and SEND families.

Data Protection and Privacy

Green Paths Education CIC is committed to protecting the personal data of all participants and partners involved in Op Hearth. Any information shared with us — such as contact details, referral information, or wellbeing feedback — is handled securely, used only for the purposes of delivering and evaluating the project, and stored in compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

We are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), and all data is stored on encrypted, password-protected systems. Personal data will never be shared with third parties without explicit consent, unless required by law or safeguarding obligations.