A PROJECT to help Second World War veterans in their later years is being pioneered by a military support charity based in Burnley.

Shortly after the VE Day commemorations, it has been announced that Veterans Association UK (VAUK) will be piloting a new social welfare initiative focusing on those who survived the conflict.

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And an appeal has been issued by the Springfield Road-based organisation for extra assistance as they begin work at three locations – Dove Court in Burnley, Marsden Heights at Brierfield and Oaklands, in Briercliffe – using funding provided by East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group.

The NHS body has provided £10,000 for the work, and will be looking closely at the results to see whether it can be rolled out to Hyndburn, Rossendale and Ribble Valley.

Tony Hayes, chief executive of VAUK, said: “The project is concentrating on the wellbeing of veterans, making sure they have everything they need in their daily lives, and that they are getting access to the services they need.

“This will hopefully reduce the number of visits they may have to make to their local surgery and improve their quality of life.”

Veterans currently living independently in the community will also receive home visits, with the same purpose in mind.

Mr Hayes is now on the lookout for volunteers, from a caring background, who can go into homes and liaise with former soldiers, to get the scheme off the ground.

Those taking part will be offered training, and an introduction about the association’s wider work in the community, along with out-of-pocket expenses associated with the role.

The association, which has a number of regional co-ordinators, campaigns on behalf of veterans and serving personnel, to assist them with a variety of issues, ranging from housing and mental health requirements to obtaining appropriate benefits and retraining.

Volunteer carers can contact Tony regarding the latest project on 01282 219391 and 0771 3329903 for more details.