Trafford Veterans CIC

Trafford Veterans is a group of armed forces veterans, emergency service personnel and local volunteers, who all live in Trafford, Greater Manchester. The group was formed in 2015 after the two founding members left the armed forces and faced a struggle with physical and mental injuries. This affected their transition from the military back into their respective communities. Their experiences prompted them to provide peer support to other veterans and members of the community, so people would not feel alone.

How does your organisation contribute to preventing suicide and supporting those affected by it?

We hold events and activities and encourage people to take part and share their hobbies and skills. This helps people to learn new things, improves confidence and provides volunteering opportunities.

Our events and activities include a monthly breakfast, a weekly model making and craft group, an allotment, a walking football session coached by Altrincham Football Club, a food share and coffee morning . We also have a 17 seater minibus for trips and a 6 seater crew custom Transit van. We have forged excellent links with other military charities and community organisations and can signpost to other support networks if required. All of our activities are open to veterans, their families and members of the wider community. We do our best to support our fellow veterans.

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What are your current priorities?

• To provide the best support we can to veterans and their families

• To tackle social isolation

• To create a Hub where veterans can drop in for advice, activities or just some company with like-minded people.

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What challenges are you currently facing?

• Gaining funding for a hub

• Many of our activities pre-lockdown were social events which now face many restrictions, but we have adapted to support people in their own homes.

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