More help for veterans in Rochdale area

Veterans in Communities manager Bob Elliott addresses the Armed Forces information event.

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Outreach services for veterans will now be extended to the Rochdale area thanks to a £5,000 health grant.

Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale awarded the money to Rossendale-based Armed Forces group Veterans In Communities (VIC) to allow them to deliver similar facilities in their area.

In Rossendale a number of outreach services are already running including drop in sessions, walking and fishing groups, a successful art club and a Wives And Girlfriends’ club.

VIC manager Bob Elliott said: “Securing this money will allow us to deliver a number of similar activities across the patch.

“The funding will go towards the costs of materials for the art group, outdoor activities, outreach, support worker training and including HMR on a social Prescribing Database.
“We are in the process of looking for a venue that has easy access for all three areas; we still plan to run the outdoor activities in Rossendale due to its close proximity and its open spaces.

“The support worker training will be included in the ‘Manage Your Health’ courses which have started this month.”

National Lottery money was secured to pay for the courses that will give veterans the skills to manage their disorders, support each other and make positive contributions to their communities.

There is also the opportunity to train as support workers using their skills to help others. The first course will be delivered in Bacup and 11 veterans will take part in the pilot.

Bob Elliott added: “VIC has some members in the area already and with Combat Stress and NHS Military Veterans Service operating in those areas, it means they can refer through to the art, outdoor activities and outreach.”

In February an ‘Armed Forces Community Information Event’ was held in Rochdale for GPs and Medical Professionals. VIC was one of the many speakers.

To find out more contact Bob on email bobelliott@veteransincommunities.org or phone or text 07961 554 006.