The Coming Home Centre will receive £90,000 of lottery cash to develop and expand its services.
A charity helping veterans make the transition from military to civilian life is set to benefit from the latest round of Big Lottery Fund funding.
The Coming Home Centre, based in the Pearce Institute in Glasgow, will receive £90,000 of lottery cash to develop and expand its services.
Ian Hopkins, the centre’s operations manager, said the windfall will be used to employ two new staff members.
“Over the last two years we have seen the numbers of veterans seeking help and support almost double, currently now providing 200 meals per week, plus food bags and emergency supplies, alongside cooking and healthy eating classes,” he said.
This funding is being shared by 20 inspiring community projects bringing real improvements to the lives of local people
“Given the increase in numbers and the variety of requests for support, our administration requirements have also increased.
“The funding from the Big Lottery Fund means we can employ a full-time catering manager and part-time admin worker, which will allow the rest of the team to focus on the support side of our operation, dealing with housing, benefits, pensions, those suffering with mental and physical health issues, and providing a safe and secure environment, where veterans can share time with others who have similar experiences and values.”
The centre supports veterans of recent conflicts including Afghanistan and Iraq as well as those who fought in the Second World War.
In total, 20 groups across Scotland will benefit from £4.5m of lottery funding announced this week.
They include the Greater Easterhouse Alcohol Awareness Project, Voices of Carers Across Lothian and the Kinloch Historical Society.
Maureen McGinn, Big Lottery Fund Scotland chair, said: “This funding is being shared by 20 inspiring community projects which, while being very different, share a common ambition; bringing real improvements to the lives of local people and their communities.
“From supporting armed force veterans adjust to civilian life through to guiding children with multiple and complex disabilities and their families through periods of change, this National Lottery cash will make a huge difference where it is needed most.”
