Rossendale Areas

The VIC Veterans Centre Haslingden

VIC members started working on the VIC centre on the 18th November 2013. With the hard work by our volunteers we managed to open the doors for the first time in January 2014, just a few months later. The building works and rooms were completed in time for Official Opening during the Armed Forces Week in 2014.

Refurbishing the VIC Centre 2013 - 2014

The VIC Centre is a hub that where members of the armed forces community can call in during the week for a range of activities, these activities can also be therapeutic for those who are experiencing some difficulties after leaving the armed forces whether through the effects of their service career or have found the transition from military to civilian life difficult.

The Centre is staffed by a core team of veterans or their dependants; the military culture is different in many ways and we believe that veterans helping veterans can achieve this in partnership with the public, private and third sector organisations in the local areas.

As veterans ourselves we understand the problems associated with the transition to civilian life and the difficulties veterans may face on leaving the armed forces. We use veterans supporting veterans as much as possible, as it is through the shared experiences that can ensure they move forward at a pace that suits them. Members will empower and encourage others to take responsibility for their own future and this in turn can get them involved in the activities where they take more of an active role in the activities or community projects.. This ensures they continue to get support themselves and can support others who are starting their journey. Our members are an integral element of Veterans in Communities.

Outreach and Information service

Veterans In Communities (VIC) works across East Lancashire to support those who have served in any of the branches of the Armed Forces, Emergency Services and their families.

We offer a range of activities which are run by veterans or retired members of the emergency services. The range of activities include;

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 veterans. 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 veterans, and many of our Peer Support activities include those who haven't served. Our members are an integral element of VIC.

Greggs RV

Every Thursday 1pm - 3pm at the VIC Centre in Haslingden we hold a brew, quiz and Greggs afternoon for our members.
This social group only started in November 2021, we have success with similar groups in Heywood, Middleton, Clitheroe and Accrington, and now Rossendale have a weekly group meeting up. Many members also attend the Breakfast Club at Haslingden Community Centre held every second of each month.

ARMED FORCES & VETERANS BREAKFAST CLUB

On every second Saturday of every month, there is a Rossendale Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club . Full breakfast and tea or coffee available from the Bumbles Café. Or if just want a brew and a chat that's fine.
Bumbles Café,
Haslingden Community Link,
Bury Road,
Haslingden
BB4 5PG

The Rossendale team

Amanda Walton CEO

Bob Elliott Operations Manager

Darren Horsnell Art Co-ordinator

Steve Butterworth Outreach worker

Ivy Limbrick Crafts and Outdoor activities

Gill Hughes - Employment and benefits advisor

Amy Thompson - Administrator

Ray Sharkey - Project Worker

Organisations who hold a regular outreach sessions at the VIC Centre

NHS Military Veterans Service use our therapy room for hold sessions with veterans living in Rossendale and parts of East Lancashire