This website is in the process of being updated
Veterans in Communities (VIC) is an East Lancashire based Armed Forces charity that works across Rossendale, Pendle, Burnley, Hyndburn, Ribble, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale. VIC supports those who have served in any of the branches of the armed forces, emergency services and their families who have or are having difficulties with returning to ‘Civvy Street’.
We offer a range of activities which are run by veterans or retired members of the emergency services. The range of activities include; walking, horticulture, allotments, social trips, helping the local community with small projects, training opportunities, outreach in local areas, art groups, craft groups, and a Singing Group.
Our Peer Support activities and projects are being delivered by veterans for veterans. Our community projects, outdoor activities and outreach services have been designed and developed by VIC members who understand the needs of veterans. Although many of our members have served in the Armed Forces or Emergency Services or have an association with the Armed Forces through family, VIC is not exclusive to veterans, and many of our Peer Support activities include those who haven't served. Our members are an integral element of VIC.
We offer a range of activities which are run by veterans or retired members of the emergency services. The range of activities include; walking, horticulture, allotments, social trips, helping the local community with small projects, training opportunities, outreach in local areas, art groups, craft groups, and a Singing Group.
Our Peer Support activities and projects are being delivered by veterans for veterans. Our community projects, outdoor activities and outreach services have been designed and developed by VIC members who understand the needs of veterans. Although many of our members have served in the Armed Forces or Emergency Services or have an association with the Armed Forces through family, VIC is not exclusive to veterans, and many of our Peer Support activities include those who haven't served. Our members are an integral element of VIC.
Projects and Activities
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Outdoor Activities
For those who have served in the armed forces, personal fitness and the opportunity to take part in many different sporting activities can be one of the benefits for joining. When they have left the armed forces many continue to keep up their personal fitness. Taking part in any physical activity can have many benefits to the individual, not only for physical wellbeing but for those who have a mental health or a psychological illness. These activities are also particularly good with socialising with like-minded people. The activities that our members can take part in give them an opportunity to ‘walk and talk’. VIC organise at least two outdoor and social inclusion activities from our Centre in Rossendale every second and fourth Thursday each month. The range of the VIC activities have included; walking, fishing, and water based activities. |
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Community Projects and Veterans In Production
The armed forces and the emergency services have developed a range of skills and expertise during their service careers, it is these skills and experiences VIC share with the wider community. VIC actively encourages our members to take responsibility and ownership of the projects we undertake. Our members are an integral element of VIC and through our activities and community projects the members are given the opportunity to become accustomed to working within a civilian environment and build up social and professional networks. |
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VIC Singing Group
The Singing group was the inspiration of one of our members who served as a musician in a military band. There are many therapeutic benefits of music to the individual and the community. Being involved in the Singing Group allows people to meet in an informal activity and the benefits can include; socialising with others, exercise and where both the armed forces community and members of the local communities can provide an activity that everyone can get involved in. |
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DIG for VIC and Allotment
The ‘Dig for VIC’ was a project funded in 2014 through a Social Prescribing grant provided by East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) in conjunction with Burnley, Pendle, and Rossendale Community Volunteer Services (BPRCVS). The back walled garden at the VIC Centre was ideal to develop an area where members could learn new skills in horticulture and wood working skills in the workshop. This was a great success so in 2015 we took over an allotment in Helmshore that was overgrown and hadn't been used for time. Our members and groups from the Princes Trust, National Citizenship Scheme and members of the community cleared the land and built it up to what it now. |
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Arts and crafts
The art groups every Tuesday and Fridays at the VIC Centre, and an art group for residents at residential home in Haslingden. A craft group now runs every Monday and Wednesday at the VIC Centre where they are producing a variety of crafts that are being sold at craft fairs and community events. Once a month VIC hold a workshop where members can learn to pain in the style of Bob Ross. |
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Social Inclusions
At the end of 2017 we increased the number and variety of our Social Inclusion activities for our members. These trips have included; canal boat trip, museums, National Arboretum, nature reserves, veteran breakfast clubs, and other places of interests. VIC is always looking to improve our range of social inclusion activities and organise addition activities that are not included in those planned at the start of each year. |
Want to make a difference?
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
RBL Citation from the Royal British Legion Greater Manchester & Lancashire Area Awards in the Third Sector Award category 2017
NEWS
Latest Newsletter
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 COMMUNITY PROJECTS
DIG for VIC GARDEN
ROSSENDALE ALLOTMENT
SOCIAL INCLUSION ACTIVITIES
ARTS & CRAFTS
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 at no cost to those undertaking them 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. 
FUNDRAISING
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VIC SHOP
VETERANS OUTREACH
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
SINGING GROUP
Hallolujah sung by VIC Singing at the Veterans in
Graham's and Darren's
In March 2014 VIC were asked to produce some videos for the East Lancs Clinical Commissioning Group (ELCCG) to show their personal experiences of suffering from PTSD, how it affected their lives and what they have gained from VIC. These videos were presented at a ELCCG meeting by the two members who produced them.
Graham Limb (previously known as Gilsenan) produced a video version called 'History of a Broken Man' and Darren Horsnell produced an animated version 'VIC and Me'. |
VIC Mission Statement
'To ensure that ex-service personnel and their families return, belong and prosper in
the communities'
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This website is updated monthly.
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