Supporting veterans and cadets through cost of living

Community groups which help veterans and cadets with cost of living and other support are benefitting from funding.

Five groups around the borough applied for and received grants in the latest round of funding:

Borough of Bury Veterans Association

£2,500 grant for an intergenerational project bringing veterans and cadets together, allowing veterans to connect and socialise whilst engaging with cadets to discuss what it was like for them to serve, why they joined up, and learn from historical events the veterans took part in.

Bury Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club Friends of Clarence Park

£2,500 each to work with cadets and veterans to coproduce Armed Forces Day celebrations including the showcasing of cadet talents and that of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Band.

Fusiliers Museum

£2,500 funding towards a Veterans and Community Space at The Fusilier Museum in Bury town centre to host veterans’ clubs, cadets, band rehearsals and fundraising activities.

Psychotherapy Manchester

£2,300 grant towards the establishment of a weekly art therapy group for veterans and service personnel to address trauma, increase confidence and connect with others.

The council had set aside money in its budget earlier this year to support the groups and further funding will be available.

Bury has a proud military heritage as a Fusilier town and its association with local cadet groups and veterans’ communities.

The council recognises there are specific challenges locally, and set aside the budget so that groups can help with:

the impact of the current closure of the Drill Hall in Bury the legacy of Covid on people’s wellbeing and connections ongoing financial and broader social pressures as a result of cost-of-living effects.

Councillor Richard Gold, cabinet member for finance and communities, said: “I’m delighted we’re able to support local veterans and cadet communities in the borough.

“As a proud Fusilier town we recognise the strong links with our armed forces communities across the borough, Our work with veterans, serving members of the armed forces, and reservists has just been recognised and honoured with the Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

“The funding will be used to help veterans and cadets to take part in the life of their communities, for them to meet up and work together, to look at any financial issues that stop them taking part in activities, help their mental wellbeing, increase skills and development; and schemes that promote the role of cadets and veterans in the history of Bury.”

There’s further help available for individual members of the armed forces and veterans who are struggling with the cost of living on the council’s website at: Let’s manage tough times – Bury Council

Pictured receiving the Gold Award are (from left) the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Mrs Diane Hawkins JP; Sam McVaigh, the council’s director of people and inclusion; Cllr Richard Gold; council leader Cllr Eamonn O’Brien; and Wing Commander Martin Morris, RAF Air Employer Engagement Regional Officer (North).