Until the CV 19 restrictions were imposed in March 2020, for the previous 5 years’ many of the volunteers involved in the Salford Veterans Community Centre project had been helping to run a successful Saturday morning Breakfast Club in Church Halls around Salford. at which 40 Veterans attended regularly. At their last Christmas Lunch in 2019, fifty-five members attended with ten more on the waiting list. Experience tells us that getting Veterans together over a meal with others of a similar background and experience allows them to relax, gain confidence in our volunteers and open up about any issues. Loneliness is the main issue we are helping to alleviate, also food poverty. Many of our members say our Saturday morning event is the highlight of their week.
The community spirited management of the Eccles Shopping Centre have recently offered us the use of a large shop, in a central location, near a bus and tram terminus at a very reasonable annual charge. When CV 19 restrictions are lifted, we hope to expand our support to Veterans in Salford, by opening a support centre every day of the week there based on our experience with the Saturday morning Breakfast Club.
Address will be; 15 The Mall, Eccles Shopping Centre, Eccles, Greater Manchester, M30 0EA
We want to expand our welfare work from a Saturday morning event to one held every day of the week. We need money to clean, renovate, decorate and equip this large empty shop. We want to build a disabled toilet on the ground floor, a community cafe with internet access and a Veterans "drop - in centre" with advice and counselling services available in a private consulting room.
On the first floor a "community kitchen" meeting /class room and a small workshop.
During the CV 19 “Lockdowns” our volunteers have actively engaged with our most “Vulnerable Veterans” those living on their own, who would normally have attended our Saturday morning Breakfast Club. Keeping in touch by phone, meeting them on their doorsteps at least once a week taking meals, doing their shopping, transporting them to GP/Hospital visits etc.
AIMS; To carry on activities which benefit the Community and in particular to the members and former members of HM Armed Forces; Regulars, Reservists, Cadets and their Families. Also, to current or retired Merchant Seamen and Women.
CONCEPT; In recognition of the contribution made by service personnel to their Country and to their Communities - To give emotional and practical support to Veterans and their Families. Friendship and support to those, from those who have shared experiences of both war and peace.
The Salford Veterans Community Centre is another community project
being coordinated and managed by;
THE SALFORD VETERANS NETWORK CIC
Registered in England; Company Number 13199932
CAFE AND DROP IN CENTRE Mon - Fri 0800 - 1700
MEETING ROOM Mon - Sun 0800 -2200