Veterans’ Foundation renews funding of Voluntary Action Swindon

Voluntary Action Swindon has received a further two years of funding from the Veterans’ Foundation.

The money will be used to continue employing Veteran Support Navigator, Katie Linstead.
A VAS spokesperson said: "Katie is a military wife living with her family at Brize Norton, so understands the needs of those serving, transitioning into civilian life and veterans.
"The aim over the next two years is to continue raising awareness of support needs and the presence of service and welfare providers in Swindon.  
"We would also like to hear from people who can volunteer to help Katie gather information to understand these gaps and feedback to service and welfare providers.  
"Ideally the volunteers will be veterans themselves, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs), Reservists, military spouses and partners or a family member willing to volunteer for a few hours per month."
Voluntary Action Swindon are the local Council for the Voluntary Sector (CVS), an infrastructure organisation that supports the local VCSE with funding and governance advice, collaboration, and a wide variety of services, including room hire and DBS checks. 

It supports the sector in collaboration to deliver projects and get the best outcomes for the residents of Swindon. 
It is also the voice of the sector on several boards including the Integrated Care Board. VAS runs several networks and projects within Swindon’s VCSE, including Volunteering Swindon, Veterans support, Sanford House community hub, Swindon Equality Coalition and Swindon Youth Voice project.
The funding from the Veterans’ Foundation will help to sustain the Veteran Support Drop-in, which runs on the last Tuesday of every month in Sanford House, Sanford Street SN1 1HE, between 11.30am and 2.30pm.
All veterans, their families and serving military personnel are invited to come along socialise and have a chat with other veterans. They can meet with service providers such as Help for Heroes, NHS Op Courage, Veterans UK, Seetec and SBC Housing Options. New attendees and service providers are welcome at anytime.  
The next drop-in is on Tuesday 30 April, and refreshments will be provided.