Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 CEO, Helen Helliwell, features on ‘The Most Painful Podcast’: Legacy, Recovery, and the Power of Sport
In a compelling episode of 'The Most Painful Podcast,' Helen Helliwell, CEO of Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, delves into her journey from military operations to spearheading an event that champions sport as a tool for rehabilitation and recovery among Serving Personnel and veterans. Her narrative is a testament to the transformative power of adaptive sports and the enduring spirit of the military community.
Helen's inspiration traces back to her work during Operation Herrick in Afghanistan (2005/6), where she played a role in documenting casualties and fatalities. Witnessing firsthand the profound impact of life-altering injuries ignited her commitment to improving the transition experience for service members, leading her to pursue a variety of personnel roles within the Ministry of Defence, focusing on enhancing support systems for those returning to civilian life.
The Invictus Games emerged in 2014 as a beacon of hope for those who have served, embodying the camaraderie and sense of purpose that many veterans yearn for after their military career has come to an end. Helen emphasises how the Games rekindle the feeling of belonging, not just for the individuals but also for their families, reinstating a shared identity and community. She acknowledges the profound impact of transitioning from military to civilian life, explaining, “You often have that life plan, particularly when you join the Armed Forces. So, when that is cut short, especially when you’re not choosing to, it is a huge lifestyle change. Not just your day-to-day job, but where you live, who your colleagues are, what you thought your life might be—all changes.” Helen then goes on to underscore the importance of acknowledging and supporting the sacrifices made by families, as they play an integral role in the rehabilitation process.
Looking ahead to Birmingham 2027, Helen envisions an event that transcends beyond the week of sport, with her team heavily focused on solidifying a lasting impact to the participants and their families, and to Birmingham. Their impact and legacy plans will be published over the Summer, with a focus on inspiring recovery and resilience through sport.
Along with challenging stereotypes, Helen is also focused on solid, practical changes being an aftereffect of the games. She is particularly enthusiastic about utilising the Games to assist in raising awareness and developing the accessibility of adaptive sports, and community initiatives within the UK , to support a broader ecosystem to the Armed Forces community, and for those not selected to participate in the Invictus Games. Helen pinpoints the importance of encouraging sports clubs to adopt more inclusive practices and providing veterans with educational tools to sustain and empower their reintegration journey.
A significant part of the conversation throughout the podcast focused on the prevalence of chronic pain among veterans, who, podcast author, Tom Hoppe, said, were twice as likely to experience it compared to the general population. Tom went on to say, that factors contributing to this include the military ethos of perseverance, the demanding nature of service, and gaps in knowledge about comprehensive pain management. Helen advocates for enhanced education and research in this area, collaborating with academic advisors to explore effective solutions.
Helen Helliwell's insights on 'The Most Painful Podcast' illuminate the multifaceted challenges faced by veterans, and the holistic approach that her and her team want to take to address them during the upcoming Invictus Games. Her leadership in organising Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 promises not only a world-class event but also a lasting impact that champions recovery, inclusion, and the unconquerable human spirit.
To listen to the full Podcast, follow the link here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5BL18YQZhzzfYmEgbkEphq