Veterans In Communities

Veterans In Communities Veterans In Communities (VIC) is an ex-services charity based in East Lancashire. VIC supports ex-se Welcome to the Veterans In Communities group.

VIC was established in 2012 to support those who have served in the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force, Emergency services and their families. VIC offers a range of activities and a means to share our experiences with others that may be experiencing some difficulties in settling down into civilian life or have made the adjustment and want to help who haven’t yet. This page allows our

members to get our latest news. Feel free to let ‘us’ know what’s happening in your area, upload your pictures and share your views. Though your views are important, please do not post unsuitable content and images, links that are non-specific to VIC. Any information deemed unsuitable to the page will be removed by admin. Remember though…. Be polite, write diplomatically, even in a declaration of war one observes the rules of politeness!!

Veterans In Communities next painting in the style of Bob Ross will be held on Sunday 21st June starting at 1030 am and ...
03/06/2026

Veterans In Communities next painting in the style of Bob Ross will be held on Sunday 21st June starting at 1030 am and should be finished around 1500hrs. The cost of the class is £50 with a £15 non refundable deposit. To confirm your place please let me know when you have paid your deposit so i can put your name down. For the bank transfer details please call Amy Catherine Thompson on 01706833180 or you can call into the VIC center to pay cash. All materials are supplied plus tea and coffee but a packed lunch is advised. Please wear suitable clothing as oil is hard to get out. Many Thanks for your continued support.

🇬🇧 VIC Members & Local veterans 🇬🇧🇬🇧 Invitation to Parade for D-Day Anniversary 🇬🇧We’ve been invited by Amazing Accringt...
02/06/2026

🇬🇧 VIC Members & Local veterans 🇬🇧
🇬🇧 Invitation to Parade for D-Day Anniversary 🇬🇧

We’ve been invited by Amazing Accrington to take part in a D-Day Anniversary Procession, and we’re looking to see who can attend and represent the veterans community.

This will be a special commemorative parade, led by a historic WWII motorbike and a lone piper from the world-famous Accrington Pipe Band, alongside the Royal British Legion and Air, Army & Sea Cadets.

Details:
🗓 Saturday 6th June
🕧 Step-off at 12:15pm
📍 From Barnes Street → Blackburn Road → Church Street
➡ Finishing at the Accrington Pals Memorial Garden for a short commemoration

Dress: - Please be suited and booted, with berets/lids on – let’s turn out smart and show our respect.

If you’re available to attend and parade, please let us know asap so we can confirm numbers.

We appreciate its relatively short notice but let’s try and get a good turnout and represent properly 🇬🇧

📢 Our May VIC Newsletter is out now!It’s filled with charity updates, funding news, community partnerships, veteran supp...
01/06/2026

📢 Our May VIC Newsletter is out now!

It’s filled with charity updates, funding news, community partnerships, veteran support stories, creative and wellbeing activities.

As with all our monthly newsletters, please feel free to share. If you'd like to get involved, or if you think someone might benefit from any of the services we offer, please contact the office on 01706 833180 or email [email protected]

If you'd like to learn more about the support and services we provide, we're always here to help:

📞 01706 833180
📧 [email protected]

Read the latest newsletter here:
👉https://www.veteransincommunities.org/newsletters.htm

We have been given a fabulous (rather large) sofa and chair but unfortunately the sofa is too big to fit in our minibus....
29/05/2026

We have been given a fabulous (rather large) sofa and chair but unfortunately the sofa is too big to fit in our minibus. Is there anyone who has a free van that would be able to collect it from Burnley TODAY and drop off in Haslingden. Measurements on the photos for an idea of size. Thank you in advance!

Great ride out today with the VIC riders club. Brilliant weather and company.
24/05/2026

Great ride out today with the VIC riders club. Brilliant weather and company.

🎖️ Celebrating an Extraordinary Life – Jack Waterfield Turns 105! 🎉Today, 17th May 2026, we are incredibly proud to cele...
17/05/2026

🎖️ Celebrating an Extraordinary Life – Jack Waterfield Turns 105! 🎉

Today, 17th May 2026, we are incredibly proud to celebrate a truly remarkable man, Jack Waterfield, who reaches the incredible milestone of 105 years young.

Jack is not only a cherished member of the Northamptonshire community, but also a Second World War veteran whose life story spans continents, courage, and compassion. Serving in the Royal Air Force during WWII, Jack’s journey took him from the icy winters of Scotland to the deserts of North Africa, the strategic islands of Malta and Gibraltar, and even to the slopes of Mount Vesuvius in Italy.

He often recalls those early days in Scotland, battling freezing temperatures, kicking around makeshift footballs made from tins, and sharing tea with Carnation milk to keep spirits high. But his service was not without great risk. One unforgettable mission saw 50 Spitfires flown to Malta under dangerous conditions, with faulty equipment and pilots unfamiliar with aircraft carriers, a testament to the bravery of that generation.

Jack was later selected as one of just eight men sent to Gibraltar, with four, including Jack, going on to join the renowned “Eagle Detachment”, playing a vital role in the war effort. Through it all, he carried resilience, humour, and an enduring sense of duty.

Beyond his service, Jack built a life filled with love, marrying his wife Irene in 1951 and raising their daughter Marilyn. In later years, he and Irene retraced his wartime journeys, creating new memories alongside old ones. Jack even put pen to paper, writing a book to ensure his incredible story will never be forgotten.~

Having lived through over a century of history, including three British coronations, Jack continues to inspire everyone around him. His stories remind us of the sacrifices made and the strength of a generation that shaped the world we know today.

💙 Please join us in wishing Jack a very happy 105th birthday, a true hero, a storyteller, and a living piece of history.

🎂 Happy Birthday, Jack, your legacy of service, courage, and love will never be forgotten. 🎖️

🎉 Huge Congratulations again to our Amy! 🎉Everyone at Veterans in Communities (VIC) is absolutely thrilled to celebrate ...
16/05/2026

🎉 Huge Congratulations again to our Amy! 🎉

Everyone at Veterans in Communities (VIC) is absolutely thrilled to celebrate the fantastic achievement of our Administrator, and all round top work mate Amy Thompson 💙

Attending the Royal British Legion Annual Conference in Brighton a week ago today, Amy proudly competed in the National Standard Bearers Competition and what an accomplishment it was!

Competing against entrants from across the UK, Amy achieved an outstanding 🥉 3rd place, an incredible improvement from last year’s (Amy's first) 7th. Through dedication, determination, and hard work, she smashed her own expectations and truly shone on a national stage 👏

From the opening of the conference, to the seafront parade in challenging conditions 🌬️, right through to the closing ceremony, Amy demonstrated resilience, pride, and professionalism throughout.

Amy described herself as “absolutely gob-smacked” at the result, and we couldn’t be happier for her!

We’re incredibly proud to have her as part of the VIC team. Please join us in congratulating her on this inspiring success 💙

🎖️

📢 CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS!Complete a survey about your experiences of welfare services for veterans* and be in with a chan...
15/05/2026

📢 CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS!

Complete a survey about your experiences of welfare services for veterans* and be in with a chance to win a £50 voucher!

The University of Salford is leading a new research project that aims to look at how Ministry of Defence (MoD) welfare services for veterans could be enhanced through trauma-informed practice. There is a growing recognition of the value trauma-informed approaches can bring to service delivery across many areas of government. In 2023, an independent review of welfare services for veterans recommended the MoD adopt trauma-informed practice. Trauma‑informed practice helps staff understand how past trauma can affect people’s wellbeing, trust, and sense of safety when using services. It aims to enhance the accessibility and overall quality of services by fostering safe, respectful, and culturally sensitive environments in which individuals feel confident and comfortable returning for support. Many other organisations and government departments are also looking at how trauma-informed practice can improve the experiences of service users and support staff well-being.

Researchers from the University of Salford are seeking UK Armed Forces veterans to complete a survey about their experience of welfare services and understanding of trauma. This survey is the first stage of the project and the insights it provides will help establish a baseline of evidence and shape recommendations for future service improvements. The survey responses come to us at the University, and the MOD has no access to the raw data or any identifying details.

Who Can Take Part?

You are eligible to participate if you:

Have served in the UK Armed Forces; and
Have sought or received support from MoD welfare services for veterans within the last ten (10) years.

What’s Involved?

The study involves a short online survey (approx. 20–25 minutes), mostly multiple‑choice with some optional open questions. You can also volunteer for a follow-up interview. The survey includes a prize draw: first prize £50 shopping voucher, second prize £25 shopping voucher. Those invited to take part in a follow-up interview will receive a £25 voucher as a thank you for their time.

How do I participate?

A link to further information and to complete the survey is here:

https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/salford/understanding-experiences-of-mod-welfare-services-for-veterans-

💙 Supporting a Life-Saving Local Cause 💙At Veterans in Communities (VIC), we’re proud to highlight the incredible work o...
15/05/2026

💙 Supporting a Life-Saving Local Cause 💙

At Veterans in Communities (VIC), we’re proud to highlight the incredible work of one of our local organisations, Community Defibs for Rossendale (Team Rossendale CFR).

This amazing team plays a vital role across our Valley, not only responding to serious and life-threatening medical emergencies, but also working tirelessly within the community to raise awareness and support for their life-saving mission 🚑

They are out and about at many local events, helping to educate and make a real difference, and they need our support!

👉 To learn more about their work and stay updated, visit their website:
https://rossendalefirstresponders.org.uk

📅 Upcoming Events:
🍛 Charity Event at The Kashmir, Rawtenstall
In support of Community Defibrillators for Rossendale, in association with 1969 (Rossendale) Squadron Air Cadets.

⚠️ Spaces are limited, be sure to book early!
🌸 Open Garden Weekend – Whitewell Bottom
📅 6th & 7th June

A much-loved annual event helping raise vital funds and awareness
Please consider attending and sharing these events with friends and family to help support this truly impactful and essential cause 🙌

📣 New Partnership Announcement – Veterans in Communities (VIC)We’re delighted to share some fantastic news with our comm...
14/05/2026

📣 New Partnership Announcement – Veterans in Communities (VIC)

We’re delighted to share some fantastic news with our community! VIC has partnered with The Raft Foundation - Rossendale's Foodbank, helping us provide even more support to local veterans.

A huge thank you to Laura Saxton, Asda Rossendale Community Champion, for bringing this partnership together 👏

🛒 What this means:
Every Thursday, The Raft Foundation kindly donates a variety of food items including:

🥖 Bread & pastries
🥕 Fresh vegetables
🥗 Salad items
🍎 Fruit

If you’re a veteran who could benefit from these donations, please feel free to drop by the VIC Centre:

📍 12 Bury Rd, Rossendale, BB4 5PL

You’re welcome to visit at a time that suits you — though just a heads-up, availability may be more limited later in the day.

💙 We are incredibly grateful to The Raft Foundation for their generosity and continued support of local veterans and the wider Rossendale community.

Address

Haslingden

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441706833180

Website

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