*****Covid update*****
As coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to present challenges for everyone.
The VIC Centre in Haslingden remains closed to our members and public, however appointments can be made to see a member of staff but these need to be booked in advance by calling 01706 833180. COVID measures are in place.
All the centre based activities; art and craft groups will continue on Zoom. See our Facebook page for more information on how to join https://www.facebook.com/VeteransInCommunities/
Due to the current Current COVID lockdown from the 5th November, which will hopefully be reviewed on the 2nd December we've had to review some of our veterans support services
The Hyndburn Veterans Drop-in remains open on Fridays only but we are unable to sell of our arts and crafts. COVID measures are in place.
We aren't able to continue the outdoor activities.
We have had to suspend the Sandbag Cafe in Heywood, but once we can re-open it will remain appointment only and only open to the VIC members. COVID measures are in place.
The VIC allotment in Helmshore has started on Wednesdays only. COVID measures are in place.
Further updates
We will continue to review the situation and Government guidance regularly and will update this page if circumstances change.
The VIC Centre in Haslingden remains closed to our members and public, however appointments can be made to see a member of staff but these need to be booked in advance by calling 01706 833180. COVID measures are in place.
All the centre based activities; art and craft groups will continue on Zoom. See our Facebook page for more information on how to join https://www.facebook.com/VeteransInCommunities/
Due to the current Current COVID lockdown from the 5th November, which will hopefully be reviewed on the 2nd December we've had to review some of our veterans support services
The Hyndburn Veterans Drop-in remains open on Fridays only but we are unable to sell of our arts and crafts. COVID measures are in place.
We aren't able to continue the outdoor activities.
We have had to suspend the Sandbag Cafe in Heywood, but once we can re-open it will remain appointment only and only open to the VIC members. COVID measures are in place.
The VIC allotment in Helmshore has started on Wednesdays only. COVID measures are in place.
Further updates
We will continue to review the situation and Government guidance regularly and will update this page if circumstances change.
Veterans in Communities (VIC) is an East Lancashire based Armed Forces charity that works across Rossendale, Pendle, Burnley, Hyndburn, Ribble, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale. VIC supports those who have served in any of the branches of the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force, the emergency services and their families who have or are having difficulties with returning to ‘Civvy Street’.
We offer a range of activities which are run by veterans of the Royal Navy, Army or Royal Air Force or retired members of the emergency services. The range of activities include; walking, horticulture, allotments, social trips, helping the local community with small projects, training opportunities, outreach in local areas, art groups, craft groups, and a Choir.
Our Peer Support activities and projects are being delivered by veterans for veterans. Our community projects, outdoor activities and outreach services have been designed and developed by VIC members who understand the needs of those veterans who have served. Although many of our members have served in the Armed Forces or Emergency Services or have an association with the Armed Forces through family, VIC is not exclusive to those who have served in Royal Navy, Army, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force, and many of our Peer Support activities include those who haven't served. Our members are an integral element of VIC.
DEFINITION.
Who is a “veteran” in the UK? Veterans are defined as anyone who has served for at least one week in Her Majesty's Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve) or Merchant Mariners who have seen duty on legally defined military operations.
We offer a range of activities which are run by veterans of the Royal Navy, Army or Royal Air Force or retired members of the emergency services. The range of activities include; walking, horticulture, allotments, social trips, helping the local community with small projects, training opportunities, outreach in local areas, art groups, craft groups, and a Choir.
Our Peer Support activities and projects are being delivered by veterans for veterans. Our community projects, outdoor activities and outreach services have been designed and developed by VIC members who understand the needs of those veterans who have served. Although many of our members have served in the Armed Forces or Emergency Services or have an association with the Armed Forces through family, VIC is not exclusive to those who have served in Royal Navy, Army, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force, and many of our Peer Support activities include those who haven't served. Our members are an integral element of VIC.
DEFINITION.
Who is a “veteran” in the UK? Veterans are defined as anyone who has served for at least one week in Her Majesty's Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve) or Merchant Mariners who have seen duty on legally defined military operations.
special update & news
Veterans Arts Competition
The competition is closed and all the entries are with the judges. The winners will be announced two weeks before XMAS |
Veterans In Communities and Veterans Art Organisation launched their Art Competition on the 27th August. The competition is for members of the Veterans Art Organisation (VAO) and members of the Veterans In Communities Art Group.
The Competition is open to amateur and hobby artist only. Entries from Veterans, emergency services and family members . All works to have been completed in the past six months and must be the artists original work. No copies. No more than one entry per category. No original pieces to be sent, we are unable to return. [MORE] |
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The MOD have released the 'Armed Forces Covenant in action' short films and they are now on the Veterans Gateway website. These films showcase the positive impact the Armed Forces Covenant is having.
VIC were given special permission by the MOD last year to show ours before their official release to a conference organised by ASDIC (Association of ex-Service Drop-In Centres) and to the East Lancs CCG Governing Body in November last year. |
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We are delighted to announce that at the start of August we received confirmation we have achieved the Silver award of the Ministry of Defence Employers Recognition Scheme! This demonstrates our continued support for the Armed Forces community.
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Community Projects and Veterans In Production |
Arts and Crafts |
Volunteering |
The Veterans In Production was developed from the projects we have completed and builds a range of garden planters and furniture using recycled pallets.
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The Art and Craft groups meet weekly and members are able to learn new skills and mediums
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We are a volunteer led organisation and all our activities are run by our members.
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Allotment and Dig for VIC |
Social Inclusion
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VIC Shop |
The ‘Dig for VIC’ and the allotment were projects funded in 2014 through a Social Prescribing grant and the Army Benevolent Fund.
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Trips have included; canal boat trips, museums, National Arboretum, nature reserves, veteran breakfast clubs, and other places of interests.
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The VIC Shop sells a range of the products made by the art and craft groups
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VIC choir |
Outdoor activities
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Fundraising |
The Choir has performs at Festival of Remembrances, supermarkets, community events, residential homes and concerts.
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The range of the VIC activities have included; walking, fishing, team building days, and water based activities.
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If you would like to make a difference by making a donation to help support us please donate through our donation page.
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Veterans information outreach services
Outreach and Information services
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The VIC outreach and information services is primarily to give support, provide information on welfare, organisations supporting the Armed Forces, housing, benefits, health and well being and a referral service to appropriate agencies or armed forces charities.
We work with many of the ex-service charities, public, and third sector organisations in the North-west. It is through our working relationships and networks that we can refer onto the appropriate service or services. The outreach provides free Information, advice and guidance on a number of issues; · Welfare · Health · Education & Training · Housing · Benefits · Social inclusion activities |
Areas we cover
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HEYWOOD:
Darnhill Hopwood Back of the Moss Heap Bridge MIDDLETON Alkrington Blackley Boarshaw Langley Bowlee |
RIBBLE VALLEY
Clitheroe Gisburn Whalley Ribchester PENDLE Colne Nelson Barrowford Barnoldswick |
ROCHDALE
Milnrow Newhey Kirkholt Littleborough Spotland Falinge Wardle Castleton Norden Healey Whitworth Bamford Kingsway HYNDBURN Accrington Rishton Great Harwood Oswaldtwistle |
BURNLEY
Burnley Hapton Padiham Holme Chapel ROSSENDALE Haslingden Helmshore Rawtenstall Newchurch Bacup Stacksteads Whitworth Edenfield |
Want to make a difference?
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As with any other charity and third sector organisations VIC rely on our volunteers to support us. Our volunteers are not only recruited from the Armed Forces Community but the Wider Community as a whole. We are a volunteer led organisation and all our activities are run by our members. Our volunteers are encouraged to become active members of VIC and get involved in further activities that give them an opportunity to develop new skills and experiences with other members. These skills can then be passed onto members and the wider community.
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VIC latest news stories
We update our activities and news stories regularly and these can be read on the Latest News page. |
VIC recognise that without your support we would not be able to deliver the range of services to ex-service personnel and their families.
The range of activities we provide are generally at no cost or already subsidised to those taking part and the social inclusion activities are funded through donations only. If you would like to make a difference by making a donation to help support us please donate through our donation page. |
Veterans In Communities is one of the many brilliant grass roots organisations that we work with. What sets it apart is its commitment to community and the reintegration of veterans into civilian society. VIC offers a wide range of programmes that bring people together, develop skills and provide support. And their staff and volunteers are enthusiastic, committed and have a real belief in their work. When you visit VIC you can feel the family environment and the sense of positivity from everyone there and that can only be a good thing for veterans who feel that they need help taking the next step.
RBL Citation from the Royal British Legion Greater Manchester & Lancashire Area Awards in the Third Sector Award category 2017
RBL Citation from the Royal British Legion Greater Manchester & Lancashire Area Awards in the Third Sector Award category 2017
VIC Mission Statement
'To ensure that ex-service personnel and their families return, belong and prosper in the communities'
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This website is updated monthly.
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