Veterans project supporting locals who gave military or National Service

Age UK Staffordshire's new service offers practical and community support to local veterans.

The project, called Veterans Should Not Be Forgotten, runs from 31 March 2021 to 31 January 2022, funded by The Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund.

The initiative has been launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to reach out and provide support to older or vulnerable veterans with reduced social contact.

Veterans who have completed at least 1 day of military service or National Service will be eligible for the support, with services available to them Monday to Friday.

Age UK Staffordshire's trained, experienced team are delivering the project. Services include home deliveries of essential items such as bread, milk or toiletries, in addition to books magazines, newspapers and activities packs.

Meal deliveries, collection and delivery of prescriptions and wellbeing telephone calls are among other vital services being offered.

It is hoped that the service will help to improve wellbeing and alleviate loneliness.

Other practical support will include support at home with activities in the form of Day Opportunities at home, help finding professionals to undertake emergency home repairs or signposting to other organisations.

Veterans Should Not Be Forgotten is funded through The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, who announced the launch of an emergency programme in 2020. This was funded by HM Treasury from the new £10M Veterans Fund.

Age UK Staffordshire's delivery of the Veterans Should Not Be Forgotten project will see their team following procedures to ensure everyone is kept safe during COVID-19, such as Government guidance on social distancing, cleaning and PPE (personal protective equipment).

Anyone can make a referral, as self-referrals are accepted in addition to referrals from outside organisations.

To make a referral, contact:
Sylvia Dunn - 07919 167741