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COVID UPDATES
We will continue to review the situation and Government guidance regularly and will update this page if circumstances change.
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 working across Rossendale, Pendle, Burnley, Hyndburn, Ribble Valley, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale areas. VIC supports former ex-service men and women who have served in any of the branches of the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force, the emergency services (Blue Light) and their families who have or are having difficulties with returning to ‘Civvy Street’ or just want to socialise with like minded people.
We offer a range of veterans services and activities which are run by our team of volunteers and staff who have either served in the Royal Navy, Army or Royal Air Force or retired members of the emergency services (Blue Light). The range of services and activities include; walking, allotments, social trips, helping the local community with small projects, training opportunities, outreach services in local areas, art groups, craft groups, and a Choir.
Our range of Peer Support activities include; community projects, outdoor activities and outreach veterans 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 (Blue Light) 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 day 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 veterans services and activities which are run by our team of volunteers and staff who have either served in the Royal Navy, Army or Royal Air Force or retired members of the emergency services (Blue Light). The range of services and activities include; walking, allotments, social trips, helping the local community with small projects, training opportunities, outreach services in local areas, art groups, craft groups, and a Choir.
Our range of Peer Support activities include; community projects, outdoor activities and outreach veterans 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 (Blue Light) 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 day in Her Majesty's Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve) or Merchant Mariners who have seen duty on legally defined military operations.
Special update & news
On Friday 30th September we held our 10-year celebration evening at Burnley FC, well attended by around 100 members, volunteers, guests, supporters, partner organisations and sponsors. A thoroughly good night by all who could attend in the current financial climate. We have put together a short video of the first batch of photographs that were taken on the night by Catherine Smyth Media.
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VIC have been involved in a research project 'Stories in Transition' funded from the Arts and Humanities Research Council. Our art group was selected as our members have used art to help with their transition to Civilian life. The other two veteran organisations involved are 'Turn to Starboard' and Waterloo uncovered' The mural was completed by members of our art group. The research focused on three of our members in particular; Darren Horsnell, Steve Butterworth and Dave Joddrell. All three have used art to help with their mental well-being and, in their transition, back to civilian life.
Breakfast and Social Clubs supported by Veterans In Communities
Accrington
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Accrington Lancashire
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Rossendale - Lancashire
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Middleton - Greater Manchester
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Clitheroe
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Heywood - Greater Manchester
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Blackburn - Lancashire
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Rossendale - Lancashire
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Latest Newsletter
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VIC News stories |
December 2022
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We update our activities and news stories regularly and these can be read on the Latest News page or on our Facebook Pages.
https://www.facebook.com/VeteransInCommunities 
VIC Latest news stories 2022
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The MOD released the 'Armed Forces Covenant in action' short films in 2019 and they are 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 to show ours before their official release to a conference organised by ASDIC (Association of ex-Service Drop-In Centre's) and to the East Lancashire CCG Governing Body in November 2018. |
We were delighted to announce that at the start of August 2020 we received confirmation we had 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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VIC projects and activities
Community Projects and Veterans In Production |
Arts and Crafts |
Volunteering |
Allotment and Dig for VIC |
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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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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Social Inclusion
Trips have included; canal boat trips, museums, National Arboretum, nature reserves, veteran breakfast clubs, and other places of interests.
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Veterans Should Not Be Forgotten
Veterans should not be forgotten is an IT project where veterans are loaned a tablet to help with social isolation and to keep in touch with family and friends.
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COVID 19 support
VIC was proactive during the COVID crisis.
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VIC Shop
The VIC Accrington Drop-in sells a range of the products made VIC
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VIC choir |
Outdoor activities |
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 provides support, on information on welfare, on the organisations supporting the Armed Forces, on 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 |
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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Make a donation through Pay PalHTML
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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. |
This was one of the most enjoyable and inspiring visits I've done as Labour's Shadow Defence Secretary - and that's down to your Centre staff and volunteers. VIC is a stand-out service for veterans, both in the Centre and through your outreach across East Lancashire. Together you have created such a strong sense of comradeship, contribution and wider community involvement which is very impressive.
John Healey MP May 2022
Given the appalling weather on Tuesday, I was more than happy to spend some of my foot patrol in the Trinity Centre on Parson Lane in the lively company of the VIC's group followed by a catch up in the Community Living Room.
PCSO 7530 Ailsa Gill January 2023
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
Today I had the great pleasure of seeing our own local VIC (Veterans in Communities) group. They are a terrific local organisation and I have never once been in attendance without a lift in my spirits”. PCSO visit to Clitheroe January 2023
These guys have really helped me (and still do, every day). You can chill in the 'Hide' watching DVDs or reading a book. Good functional kitchen (or the bakery next door). Computers to learn about, surf the 'net or check emails. Lots of wood to make things. An art room to get creative (with expert assistance). If you have a hyper active imagination, like me, this place is awesome. You can meet therapists from all sorts of organisations to help with physical or mental health problems. The team can point you in the right direction and help with paperwork. I hope you come in and look around.
“Feel so happy and proud that my old worn bench ends were put to such a worthy cause…they look beautiful gents well done.” Salford veterans Remembrance benches December 2022
- “Lovely welcoming place. Lots of things for the general public to get involved in, art classes, craft. Always brews and cakes on offer, they also have a relaxing lounge with a TV and a gift shop that sells things made at the centre.” Google review 2022
VIC is somewhere safe to chat with other people like me and have a brew. It’s better than any tablet |
You are absolutely brilliant!!!! We couldn’t of done this without you. Met most of you and you are all beautiful people inside and out, hats off to you all and thank you so much for all your hard work and commitment in sometimes adverse conditions – Christine Goodman (Rawtenstall COVID vaccine site lead) |
If I hadn’t started coming to VIC I would never have had the confidence to become a local councillor. |
You have done more for him {my grandfather} in 2 years than anyone else has in 75 years “You helped me over a bad time. I have problems writing and getting lots of medical care. Thank you for all you have done”. Helped me through dark days. |
Following a conversation with a new VIC member who has a brain injury:-‘‘Thank you for that. I have just had an inspirational hour
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Spent a nostalgically pleasing & extremely interesting week up the hill with the CTT some 31 years since my live fire on the same ranges. This brings to an end my opening journey as a CFAV within the ACF after successfully completing my AIC.
Thanks to Bob & Raymond for your assistance & support, & all others for the interest & kind words on this short but hugely satisfying journey. I still don't believe for a moment that this would've been something I'd have pursued, had I not spent time volunteering with VIC through lockdown.
- “Lovely, caring people. I started going to support my dad with the art classes and was welcomed as a friend. He kept everyone going through lockdown so no one felt isolated.” Google review 2022
This website is updated monthly.
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