The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has awarded more than £1 million in funding to 56 local projects in the first round of its Covenant Fund: Force for Change programme.
The Trust was delighted to be able to support so many great projects across the UK, all focused on helping to boost social inclusion and reduce isolation.
Personal support services charity, CAIS, received £20,000 to engage two hospitality and activity coordinators to create an inclusive setting at their Troop Café Community Hub in Llandudno, Wales. The team will offer activities such as quizzes, curry evenings, clinics and learning opportunities.
Geraint Jones, Director of Clinical and Therapeutic Services for CAIS, explained: “The funding received by the Covenant Trust to develop our Troop Café Community Hub will have a far-reaching impact on isolated veterans by responding to their evolving needs and in particular during and post Covid-19.
Something that undoubtedly brings people together is food and a “brew” and we intend to create a wholly inclusive setting for veterans and the wider community alike.
This project will create a wealth of opportunities for veterans of all ages to come together with the wider local community, developing a shared sense of belonging and comradeship, improving positive connections and enriching wellbeing.”
Speaking about the focus of the Force for Change programme, the Trust’s Director of Policy and Communications, Sonia Howe, said:
“This new programme was designed to meet the needs of our Forces communities following consultation back in January that showed reducing isolation was an important issue for many.
This first round of awards has truly reflected this need and we are delighted to see so much work planned in support of Forces communities across the UK.”
Further awards will be made in a second round of the Force for Change programme in the new year.
Find out more
A full list of awards made in this round can be viewed at the Trust’s website www.covenantfund.org.uk
