Armed Forces Community Covenant Funding

Thanks to funding from the Armed Forces Community Covenant Fund, Team Forward Assist have been able to create an award winning 'One Stop Community Hub' for veterans in North Tyneside and beyond. The Team has established a weekly 'drop In' offering specialist Information Advice & Guidance to veterans and their families. The Drop In operates in the veteran run Salute Cafe and unemployed veterans receive free Coffee and Bacon Sandwiches whilst waiting to see the staff and Welfare Benefits experts. Attendees can also choose from a variety of activities that promote health and well-being as well as access support from all mainstream service charities dependant upon need. The free weekly activities include Pilates, Yoga, Archery, Mountain Biking , Outdoor Activities, Gym Sessions, Angling, Gardening, Photography, Debate Training, Employment Advice and facilitate independent living skills training during the Cook2Give Luncheon Club. Forward Assist are proud to have formed  'Salute Her', a unique 'Women Veterans Only' service including a 'gender specific' Drop In for women living in the North East. We are delighted to report that the charity and its veteran volunteers are providing services to veterans and the community in excess of 150 individuals a week. As a direct result of the above initiatives, the footfall to the community centre in which we are co-located has increased by an amazing 52%. Team Forward Assist look forward to developing many more productive partnerships and affiliations so that we can continue to serve those that deserve our respect and support.