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Make a difference and make a small donation to VIC.
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Veterans in Communities (VIC) was founded in September 2012 and was accepted onto the register of charities in March 2013. From our humble beginnings in a corner of an office in Bacup, VIC has spread its wings and now supports ex-service personnel across East Lancashire, Preston, Rochdale, Heywood and Middleton and operates from the VIC Centre in Haslingden.
We do what it says on the tin. Our aim is to enable ex-services and emergency services personnel and their families to be a part of their local community. To return, belong and prosper within and as a part of it.
It’s not about being separate to the community, but sharing the skills, experiences and knowledge of our members, be they civilians or ex-armed forces personnel, to work towards a shared goal of building resilience and wellbeing for all. All of our activities and projects are open to members of the local communities, some of whom may be experiencing the same difficulties as the veterans.
We do what it says on the tin. Our aim is to enable ex-services and emergency services personnel and their families to be a part of their local community. To return, belong and prosper within and as a part of it.
It’s not about being separate to the community, but sharing the skills, experiences and knowledge of our members, be they civilians or ex-armed forces personnel, to work towards a shared goal of building resilience and wellbeing for all. All of our activities and projects are open to members of the local communities, some of whom may be experiencing the same difficulties as the veterans.
VIC is predominantly ‘staffed’ by volunteers, the majority of whom have served in the armed forces or emergency services. They have the ‘lived experiences’ shared by our members. This is particularly important in providing a safe and understanding environment for our members. The camaraderie for which the armed forces is so famous, is always present. Volunteers lead and organise the activities which are overseen by a small staff team. The staff team is made up of people with armed forces experience and community development experience.
Identifying those in need of our service is achieved through regular outreach drop-ins across the areas we work in, as well as working with other specialist charities, and statutory services such as health and housing associations. Service users become members of VIC and work with a volunteer or staff member to identify particular issues they are facing and formulate solutions.
Partnership working is particularly important in the support VIC offers as we don’t believe in duplicating services or providing support that is best provided by others.
Identifying those in need of our service is achieved through regular outreach drop-ins across the areas we work in, as well as working with other specialist charities, and statutory services such as health and housing associations. Service users become members of VIC and work with a volunteer or staff member to identify particular issues they are facing and formulate solutions.
Partnership working is particularly important in the support VIC offers as we don’t believe in duplicating services or providing support that is best provided by others.
Our services
The ongoing support from the Integrated Care Board, Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and other project specific funding we have been able to attract as a result has meant a corresponding expansion in the services we offer. Utilising our veteran-to-veteran peer support pathway where help and support is given to veterans by veterans, creating a ‘safe’ and sharing environment, VIC offer:-
Our activities, services and support aim to help reduce social isolation, improve self-confidence and self-esteem, support improved mental and physical well-being, and promote a sense of belonging.
The ongoing support from the Integrated Care Board, Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and other project specific funding we have been able to attract as a result has meant a corresponding expansion in the services we offer. Utilising our veteran-to-veteran peer support pathway where help and support is given to veterans by veterans, creating a ‘safe’ and sharing environment, VIC offer:-
- Social coffee mornings/afternoons providing social interaction, sense of belonging and increased wellbeing
- Art and craft groups providing social interaction, personal achievement, development of new or existing skills, self-confidence
- Veterans in Production and allotment projects promoting physical and mental health, learning new skills, team building, peer support and confidence development
- VIC Choir offering documented benefits for health and wellbeing including reduced blood pressure, increased lung capacity, improved mood, as well as social interaction and an activity that can be continued at home
- VIC Centre available for drop-in, peer support, a chat, information and guidance
- Volunteering, training and learning opportunities providing new skills or just for enjoyment
- A programme of walks and trips providing opportunities for peer support, social interaction and a positive impact on health and wellbeing
- Outdoor activities promoting health and wellbeing, team building, development of social and peer networks, as well as increasing confidence and a sense of achievement
- Involvement in community projects is encouraged, either as a group or individually and in the past has ranged from building planters and sheds, to marshalling events and supporting remembrance activities. Members gain a sense of belonging to their local community, a sense of achievement and giving back, as well as the opportunity to use and share skills learned during their service.
Our activities, services and support aim to help reduce social isolation, improve self-confidence and self-esteem, support improved mental and physical well-being, and promote a sense of belonging.
The Impact
Independent research carried out by Anglian Ruskin University identified numerous ways in which the activities and groups facilitated by VIC benefited our members. The research concluded that “the combined impacts around learning, wellbeing and community can result in transformative effects for VIC members. These transformations included new friends and support networks, a renewed sense of purpose and enjoyment in life, and a transformation in sense of self-outlook and behaviour, which then improve relationships outside VIC.”
Independent research carried out by Anglian Ruskin University identified numerous ways in which the activities and groups facilitated by VIC benefited our members. The research concluded that “the combined impacts around learning, wellbeing and community can result in transformative effects for VIC members. These transformations included new friends and support networks, a renewed sense of purpose and enjoyment in life, and a transformation in sense of self-outlook and behaviour, which then improve relationships outside VIC.”
Special events & news
We have a special page for some of the special events to raise money for VIC or if we have some activities organised outside of the day-to-day activities. Please look at the page Special events and news.
Some of the past events have included; the Velocity Challenge, Pell Tower abseiling, M60 Ring Of Red, Carp Fishing Competition, Throttle Twisters MCC Rock Night, our 10 year celebrations, and many more.
Some of the past events have included; the Velocity Challenge, Pell Tower abseiling, M60 Ring Of Red, Carp Fishing Competition, Throttle Twisters MCC Rock Night, our 10 year celebrations, and many more.
Return, Belong Prosper is a short VIC documentary film co-created by Anglia Ruskin University and Darren Horsnell, Steve Butterworth and David Joddrell. VIC was one of three charities chosen for the Stories In Transition project that researched how veteran organisations help ex-service personnel transition to civvy street.
All three films Return Belong Prosper (VIC), 'Turn to the Wind' (Turn to Starboard) and 'Leave No One Behind' (Waterloo Uncovered) were launched at the National Army Museum in London last year and VIC’s film was selected out of 7,000 entries to be screened at an International Film Festival in Germany.
The film was tells the story of veterans Darren, Steven and Dave and how creativity has helped them to transition from military to civilian life.
They faced a variety of difficulties when they left the military world and speak frankly about the issues they faced.
You can watch this with sub titles on You Tube.
All three films Return Belong Prosper (VIC), 'Turn to the Wind' (Turn to Starboard) and 'Leave No One Behind' (Waterloo Uncovered) were launched at the National Army Museum in London last year and VIC’s film was selected out of 7,000 entries to be screened at an International Film Festival in Germany.
The film was tells the story of veterans Darren, Steven and Dave and how creativity has helped them to transition from military to civilian life.
They faced a variety of difficulties when they left the military world and speak frankly about the issues they faced.
You can watch this with sub titles on You Tube.
Breakfast and Social Clubs supported by Veterans In Communities
Preston Sandbag Café
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Accrington
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Clitheroe
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Rossendale - Lancashire
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Middleton - Greater Manchester
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Blackburn - Lancashire
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Accrington Lancashire
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Crown Veterans Breakfast Club - Bury
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Rossendale - Lancashire
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Latest Newsletter
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VIC News stories |
October 2024
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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 2024
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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 |
Veterans Social Carp Angling |
Outdoor activities |
Fundraising |
The Choir has performs at Festival of Remembrances, supermarkets, community events, residential homes and concerts.
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Veterans Social Carp Angling, is our latest project to bring anglers together in a competition event
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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
East Lancashire
Heywood, Middleton & Rochdale
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The VIC outreach and information services provides advice and support, by giving information on welfare, on the organisations supporting the Armed Forces Community, 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. We encouraged all those accessing our services to become active members of the VIC outreaches and activities and by getting involved in these gives them an opportunity to develop new skills and experiences with other members and meet new friends to expand their social lives. These skills can then be passed onto other volunteer 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. |
Testimonials
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.
Another great place to visit sorted by our volunteer from the VIC at Haslingden, Veterans in the Community. Pat as usual chose a lovely afternoon tea in beautiful surroundings, Thank you Pat and also our driver Phil for taking the the time to drive us all there . Sheila August 2023
- “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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