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First Step Forwards: A Brand-New programme to support Veterans across Greater Manchester

Foundation 92 are proud to announce the launch of a Brand-New programme to support Veterans across Greater Manchester.

In partnership with the Veterans Foundation and Salford City Council, Foundation 92 are offering 1 to 1 mentoring support for Veterans of the Armed Forces, Police, and the Fire Service.

This initiative will focus on mental health, housing, employment, social inclusion, and general lifestyle support amongst many other aspects.

There will be two hub sites set up in Salford with dedicated support staff at each venue.

The programme is aimed at supporting veterans who have settled in Salford to help them integrate into the community, in a sustainable manor.

The initiative will focus on two strands. The first strand will look at supporting veterans who are facing a greater level of challenge to integrate in the community through 1 to 1 mentoring to support each individual to develop a range of new skills and enhance existing skills; money management, positive relationships, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and helping individuals acquire a sustained positive lifestyle.

The second strand will be an open access drop-in session for any veterans of any service. Creating a community hub to meet new friends, working with specialist partners to help with integration into the local community, whilst also developing a sense of belonging in the community through a sense of camaraderie.

Head of Foundation 92, Tom Hutton, said “Foundation 92 is proud to be working with Salford City Council and the Veterans Foundation to develop the programme ‘First Step Forwards’. The programme is based on significant consultation with the community, and we aim to support a high volume of Salford veterans to develop a healthy and positive lifestyle in the next 12 months through the power of football”.

Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, said In Salford we are committed to supporting our armed forces community, which was recently recognised when the council were awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, a fantastic achievement which we are extremely proud to be accredited with.

“This new project is another way for ex armed forces personnel to get support and it will be greatly received. The holistic approach to supporting those that need it will run alongside the dedicated housing support already in place across the city. I am looking forward to meeting with some of the people who will benefit from the programme”.

First Step forwards will start in November 2021, for more information please email [email protected]