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.
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
Forthcoming events
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TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE
On Friday 8th June we have organised another VETERANS AND VOICES concert at 1930pm, St Mary's Church in Rawtenstall. Tickets are now available from the VIC Choir members, band members or Amanda in the office 01706 833180 or email amandawalton@vic.org.uk Last year was a great success and based on the experience and feedback from those who were there, we made a decision to make this an annual concert. We are joined again by the Haslingden and Helmshore Brass Band More about last years performance |
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VIC Art Exhibition
On the 31st March VIC launched our first Art Exhibition of 2018 at the Haworth Art Gallery in Accrington. The exhibition will be on until 20th May, the art work has all been done at the VIC Centre in Haslingden during the art groups that runs every Tuesday and Friday. The art group was one of the first activities VIC set up in 2011 and was the inspiration of Darren Horsnell, whose effort over the last 7 years has seen the art group develop into what you can see today. [More]
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Rossendale Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club
On every second Saturday of every month, there is a Rossendale Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club . Full breakfast with fresh juice and tea or coffee £3:50. Or if just want a brew and a chat that's fine.
"The RV " Bumbles Cafe, Haslingden Link, Bury Road, Haslingden BB4 5 PG. 
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Latest Offers
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Donating by online shopping
You can support Veterans In Communities (VIC) by shopping online? Every time you shop online via easyfundraising at one of the 3,300 retailers including John Lewis, Aviva, Sainsbury’s, Amazon and eBay etc, a donation will be made to VIC and it won’t cost you an extra penny.
It's so simple to get going all you have to do is: 1. Go to http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/…/veteransincommunitiesvic 2. Sign up for free 3. Get shopping and start raising No catches, no hidden charges and Veterans In Communities (VIC) will be really grateful for your donations |
Art materials
VIC have a huge range of art materials at reduced prices making them incredibly competitive. We have in stock Windsor & Newton, Reeves, Bob Ross and Derwent supplies. ONLY WHILE STOCKS LAST For more information call Darren on 01706 833180.
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A range of crafts
A range of crafts made by our Crafty Chatters Craft Group, they meet every Monday & Wednesday mornings at the VIC Centre.
We have a number of crafts made by the group for Easter. To see the full range of crafts please call into the VIC Centre of for information on the crafts and the prices please ring Ivy on 01706 833180 or email ivylimbrick@vic.org.uk |
Art work produced by Darren Horsnell £6.50
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Veterans In Communities Arts and Crafts group have been very busy producing these great products ready for the run up to Christmas. These make great presents for any occasion and are all hand made by members of the arts and crafts groups.
If you would like to support VIC in purchasing any of these items but would like to know more then please contact darrenhorsnell@vic.org.uk or call VIC on 01706 833180. |
VIC Mugs £6.50
Art pictures printed to order for special occasions
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Pale Maiden - a song written to raise money for VIC and South Atlantic Medal Association 1982 (SAMA82)
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A POEM written by Falklands Islands’ veteran and VIC member Steve Butterworth has been transformed into a song that has been recorded by a choir from Port Stanley.
Steve returned to the islands for the first time in 32 years in 2014. He served in the Royal Navy from 1976 until 1983 and was a catering accountant on HMS Intrepid, but during the day he was a medic patching up the wounded, mainly Welsh Guards from the Sir Galahad. On his return to the Falklands, Steve was moved by the islands’ national flower Pale Maiden and its strong scent, small white bloom with a yellow centre and red veins. Steve said “That little flower turned a negative experience in 1982 into a positive in 2014. Returning again in 2015 he approached the Port Stanley Cathedral Choir with a view to them recording my song.” The song is a sentimental dialogue of how the Pale Maiden grows and protects the islands from land, sea and air and acts as a ‘Guardian Angel’ to the fallen. A second female section, co-written and sung by acclaimed folk singer Corrie Shelly, portrays the flower singing to herself. On the CD Port Stanley Cathedral Choir and Infant and Youth Choir sing one version, the male part of the song, with music composed and lyrics arranged by VIC member Alan Willetts and Veteran’s sweetheart Sarah Dennis. VIC member Nina Birley composed the second female version of the song and Steve provided backing vocals. It has been played on the Falkland Islands radio station and is available to buy from VIC on 01706 833180 or email info@vic.org.uk Pale Maiden is now being sold for £5 with all profits benefiting VIC and the South Atlantic Medal Association. |
To hear a sample of the song visit YouTube and search Pale Maiden.
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NEWS
Latest Newsletter
The Creative Community Hub ART Group, have some discounted art materials available to buy through our Positive Art shop. Please contact darrenhorsnell@vic.org.uk for more information.
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VIC Projects & activities
 COMMUNITY PROJECTS
WW1 COMMEMORATION PROJECTS
DIG for VIC GARDEN
ROSSENDALE ALLOTMENT
VETERANS OUTREACH
SINGING GROUP
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
ARTS & CRAFTS
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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
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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