Working in partnership with Sale United FC and Trafford Housing Trust, we have made use of the small pavilion at Crossford Bridge to open a veterans hub. It’s easily accessible, close to good transport links with bus routes,  Dane Road Metrolink stop is a 5 minute walk away, the canal paths and walkaways providing cycle and walking routes and there is ample parking space.

We can hold outreach drop-ins and appointments from there and link with other organisations working in the community. The hub could be used for a wide range of activities including:

  • A learning centre for short learning courses, networking and presentations
  • A place to go for support and advice, and community outreach
  • Open a community shop and charity shop which provide volunteering opportunities
  • Hold activities for veterans and the local community such as craft groups and more
  • A comfortable place for meetings and appointments

It’s an opportunity for local veterans to provide local support and has a lot of potential to develop.

Why Trafford?

Research data shows that there are approximately 10,000 veterans living throughout Trafford. However, that is only a rough estimate and, counting elderly family members and others who have not disclosed that they have served, there could be many more. The North West as a whole is one of the largest recruitment areas for all of the Armed Services. Trafford has no central veterans Hub at present. Our group has already made links with other voluntary and community organisations in the area and we are now all communicating and working together to achieve a place where veterans and their families can access support and camaraderie

These organisations include:

  • Trafford Royal Naval Association
  • Royal Air Force Association
  • Royal Signals Association
  • 207 Field Hospital Army Reserve Unit
  • 182, 318 and 145 Squadron Air Cadets
  • Altrincham and Sale Sea Cadet Units
  • Mercian (Sale), Royal Logistic Corps (Flixton), Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Stretford), Army Cadet Force Units
  • Combined Cadet Force – St Antony’s, Wellacre High Schools.

The Benefits

The hub benefits local veterans, their families, and the local community. Individuals are able to take part in activities which help towards building a stronger community and improving social inclusion. We provide volunteering opportunities to our members and supporters which increases employment prospects and tackle loneliness. Armed forces veterans and emergency service personnel are able to access the support they need.

The benefits to the community include:

  • It breathes life back into an empty building or space
  • We are supporting the local business economy
  • Increased footfall to the area, increasing the number of people visiting the vicinity.
  • The hub provides some fantastic PR opportunities.
  • Any repairs required can be completed with a DIY SOS like project, we already have a great network of supporting businesses and a potential workforce of skilled veterans.
  • It is truly be a great news story and highlights local businesses and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Sustainability

How will we sustain the hub? The answer is with sheer hard work and determination which we have in spades. We can make this work! We intend to have  a range of items for sale, proceeds from which would help to fund overheads. There are a number of options we can consider as regards to funding.

This list is not exhaustive:

  • Armed Forces Covenant Fund
  • Fundraising stalls at community events
  • The National Lottery and Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT)
  • Local Authority Community Grants
  • Run a charitable business to sell merchandise and generate income
  • Gain business sponsors
together everyone achieves more