New outreach and art classes for military veterans

Veterans In Communities administrator Suzanne Preston who is leading the outreach for military veterans in Heywood

A Charity has been given a massive boost in its bid to assist veterans in the Rochdale area.

Veterans In Communities (VIC) has announced a partnership with Link4Life and Rochdale Council, which enabled outreach and art classes to begin this month.

VIC is using its successful model to reach into other areas and extend services.

The Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group backed VIC with a grant of £5,000.

Following a  meeting between Rochdale Council’s external leisure providers Link4Life and VIC administrator Suzanne Preston, Link4Life agreed to provide free accommodation to start outreach and art classes for veterans at Heywood Sports Village. The first session was on Wednesday April 17 from 10.30am to 2.30pm and the sessions will be held every Wednesday from now on.

VIC manager Bob Elliott said: “This is a fantastic extension to the successful work we have been carrying out in Rossendale and we are very much looking forward to working in partnership with Rochdale MBC and Link4Life.

“Veteran Darren Horsnell will be leading the art sessions while the outreach will be provided by Suzanne.

“She will be meeting with the different partners and agencies to start building up a forces network to get to know the services out there and link in with the veterans families.

“If this is successful we are hoping to be able to offer similar sessions in Rochdale and Middleton sports centres.

“The benefits of using a sports centre is that the veterans and their families can also use the recreational facilities. There is discussion about the possibility of being able to offer veterans use of the facilities at a reduced rate.

Suzanne said: “I am delighted to be taking the lead and it will be a really big step in the growth of VIC.

“We have had a lot of support and interest from the Rochdale area and there is lots of scope. It is really exciting.”

Outreach sessions will be held every week and art and walking groups will meet fortnightly.

Anyone wanting to know more can contact email Suzanne Preston on 01706 871730 or 07917 710629 or email suzannepreston@veteransincommunities.org.uk