Veterans in Communities (VIC) is an East Lancashire based Armed Forces charity that’s 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.
VIC is well established and works with a range of services and organisations that can provide welfare and wellbeing needs; Royal British Legion, SSAFA the Armed Force Charity, local veteran Associations, local housing providers, Combat Stress, Military Veterans Service, Citizens Advice, Lancashire Wellbeing, Accrington College, local Armed Forces Community Covenant Groups, Remploy, Shelter, Inspire, local Drug and Alcohol Services, Community Groups, Lancashire Adult Learning, NHS Integrated Neighbourhood Teams, GP Surgeries, Food Banks, Fare Share, Job Centre Plus, Link for Life, and Veterans Breakfast Clubs.
We recognise that being in the armed forces or any of the emergency services is a very different culture from many other jobs and that they can find it hard to re-adjust once they have left. Many can feel they are unable to ‘Fit’ into civilian life after their experiences and being away for so long from families, friends and the communities they grew up in. They have a range of experiences and skills that the general population don’t have; they leave as very highly skilled men and women with training that isn’t always needed in civilian life. VIC believes that the shared experiences of veterans helping veterans can achieve much to bring about a successful return to civilian life.
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, and many of our Peer Support activities include those who haven't served. Our members are an integral element of VIC. They are the backbone of what we do here at 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.
VIC is well established and works with a range of services and organisations that can provide welfare and wellbeing needs; Royal British Legion, SSAFA the Armed Force Charity, local veteran Associations, local housing providers, Combat Stress, Military Veterans Service, Citizens Advice, Lancashire Wellbeing, Accrington College, local Armed Forces Community Covenant Groups, Remploy, Shelter, Inspire, local Drug and Alcohol Services, Community Groups, Lancashire Adult Learning, NHS Integrated Neighbourhood Teams, GP Surgeries, Food Banks, Fare Share, Job Centre Plus, Link for Life, and Veterans Breakfast Clubs.
We recognise that being in the armed forces or any of the emergency services is a very different culture from many other jobs and that they can find it hard to re-adjust once they have left. Many can feel they are unable to ‘Fit’ into civilian life after their experiences and being away for so long from families, friends and the communities they grew up in. They have a range of experiences and skills that the general population don’t have; they leave as very highly skilled men and women with training that isn’t always needed in civilian life. VIC believes that the shared experiences of veterans helping veterans can achieve much to bring about a successful return to civilian life.
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, and many of our Peer Support activities include those who haven't served. Our members are an integral element of VIC. They are the backbone of what we do here at VIC.
Forthcoming events
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Join us for an evening of fun and 'Frolicking with Pete and the Fumbling Fingers Concertina Ceilidh Band' on the 29th September.
Guarranteed to be a great night out for all the family, you can bring your own booze and food or soft drinks will be availalbe on the night. Tickets are £7.50 or £20 for a family ticket. Tickets are available at the VIC Centre or call Tracy Keir on 01706 833180 |
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You can support Veterans In Communities by making a small donation. All donations will go towards the cost of our range of activities that we offer to veterans and their families.
 NEWS
Latest Newsletter
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ROOMS FOR HIRE & RENT
VIC Projects & activities
 COMMUNITY PROJECTS
WW1 COMMEMORATION PROJECTS
DIG for VIC GARDEN
ROSSENDALE ALLOTMENT
VETERANS OUTREACH
SINGING GROUP
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
ARTS & CRAFTS
RBL Scarfs
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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
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
Graham's and Darren's stories
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'. Combat PTSD Angels are a community of carers committed to supporting and educating carers and family members of UK veterans with Combat related PTSD.
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VIC Mission Statement
'To ensure that ex-service personnel and their families return, belong and prosper in the communities'
This website is updated monthly.
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