Lancashire based support

Lancashire has some passionate local organisations who provide a range of support to the Armed Forces community. Click the links to learn more about each organisation listed below.

The Armed Forces Support Group is a social and support group in Pendle, East Lancashire, set up to direct local veterans to the services they need.

Bay Veteran's Association We are a North West Lancashire based Armed Forces organisation formed in 2023 to support those who have served in the Armed Forces or Emergency Services in the Morecambe, Carnforth and Lancaster area. Our veterans services support those who have served in any of the branches of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army, Royal Air Force, Emergency Services, their families and the wider community who maybe struggling or having difficulties. Our aim is to help bring social cohesion and assist in the development of integrated communities in our local area.

Belisama’s Retreat is a woodland based project on the outskirts of Preston which offers respite to military Veterans through re-engagement with wild spaces. They deliver evidence-based activities which promote positive change to the mental well-being of military veterans.

Dig In Our team is made up of people from the military community – both serving and veteran, and our families. We are here to support each other through challenging times and celebrate good times. We are based in a walled garden within a local park although there is no public access to our site. However, this is about much more than gardening. People get together and do something practical that benefits both themselves and serves others – and maybe also helps a team-mate through a tough time. You can come here to garden; growing plants in the greenhouse for us to sell, or food in the garden to share with the group. You can learn a new practical skill such as carpentry, photography or stone masonry. You can go fishing or out on various trips. Or you can come and just relax with others who have served – sharing some tea, toast and a chat.

Healthier Heroes CIC run a veteran specific programme called - UNITE as one, INSPIRE one another, BELIEVE anything is possible. This programme aims to rehome veterans by providing supported accommodation within their Bancroft House location in Burnley and to rehabilitate and reconnect veterans and their families regardless of when they left the services. They also support veterans from the criminal justice system, using a peer mentoring programme to help them rebuild their lives and find jobs. With their combined lived experience and person led approach to the programme, they strive to help veterans and their families overcome barriers that restrict their lives.

Veterans in Communities Utilising our veteran-to-veteran peer support pathway where help and support is given to veterans by veterans, creating a ‘safe’ and sharing environment, VIC offer:-Social coffee mornings/afternoons, art and craft groups, veterans allotment, VIC choir, drop-in support at our centre, volunteering opportunities, walks and trips, outdoor activities, and a range of community projects all designed to promote personal wellbeing, belonging and community wellbeing.

West Lancs Ark CIC – specialises in support to ex-offenders, the unemployed, and the homeless. They have recently established an ex-forces provision providing help with employment, housing, training and higher education opportunities. For further information please contact 07826 656387, email westlancark@hotmail.co.uk or visit the Ecumenical Centre, Northway, Skelmersdale, WN8 6LU on Friday mornings.  

Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Clubs There are numerous Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs in Lancashire. They are informal places where the armed forces community meet and socialise. If there isn’t one near you, the AFVBC will help you set one up. See https://www.afvbc.world/ and https://afvbc.com/

Lancashire Football Clubs

Some of Lancashire’s Football Clubs, and more specifically their Club Community Organisations (CCO’s), have created armed forces facing projects which provide a range of health & wellbeing activities to the armed forces community. You can discover more about each clubs offer and how to join in with them, by following the links below.

• Accrington Stanley Community Trust
• AFC Fylde Community Foundation
• Blackburn Rovers Community Trust veterans project
• Blackpool FC Community Trust
• Burnley FC In the Community
• Fleetwood Town FC Community Trust
• Lancaster City FC Military Veterans
• Morecambe FC Community Foundation - Veterans Project
• Preston North End FC Community & Education Trust

The NW Military Veterans Football League is a pilot project providing the structure for military veteran teams from across the North West to compete and connect through passion for the beautiful game. See who our current league leaders are.