OUR PROJECTS OVER THE YEARS

We have changed so many lives thanks to our sponsors who have given us the ability to deliver these great projects. We now consider them part of our DNA.

NAAFI BREAK AND BEYOND

Thanks to funding from The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, Tackling Loneliness programme the VC Gallery will operate Naafi breaks every weekday morning in Pembroke Dock for general chat and company with other veterans, refreshments, and help to access digital platforms, with a focus on older veterans living in the local area. The project is being run by Army veteran Kevin Stanley over the next two years, please get in touch with him via email at kevin@thevcgallery.com or by calling 01646 685688.

Part of the project will be to identify more male and female veterans within Pembrokeshire by taking our mobile museum to various sports venues, village halls, etc to meet ex-Forces personnel wherever they might live. The VC Military peer mentors can also visit residential homes or homes of veterans with mobility issues to help with engagement.

Volunteer Coordinator funded by The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust; Chris Paling

Chris an RN veteran himself explained how essential the volunteers are at the VC and how hard they work - from those who give their time at the Dig 4 Victory gardening project... to the befrienders and mentors who attend one or both of the VC centres in Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock, not to mention those who have been busy delivering medication and food during lockdown and those who give their time as Trustee all the year round; the chairty simply would not function without them.

"The level of commitment is amazing" said Chris. "There are so many people willing to offer their skills that I have been quite blown away since I started here three weeks ago. If I had not found myself in the fortunate position of having a job here, I would certainly be one of them"

Ann Russell, who first came to The VC for support following a serious illness, has been its volunteer artist in residence for over three years.

She says that working at The VC has given her so much more than she had ever expected. "I have worked closely with artists like Nina Camplin and others on various art projects, both in outreach and residential situations. More recently I have been involved with more online workshops and was facilitator for the carers online group during the lockdown. This is a great place to volunteer. You really feel part of a caring team." She was also at pains to mention the volunteers who run the art retail shop in Bridge Street, Haverfordwest where the artists donate their commission back to the charity.

The VC Gallery clearly wants its volunteers to know just how valued they are. "We are planning certificates to honour our volunteers and to show how important this work is for the community." said Chris. "We are also planning a barbecue at the Dig 4 Victory site, overlooking St Brides Bay on 6th June where everyone, volunteers and members, can get together and celebrate."

If you would like to volunteer for The VC Gallery then please get in touch with Chris via email... chris@thevcgallery.com

DIG 4 VICTORY

This is a new exciting project which has been funded by the Armed Forces Covenant. We are aiming to encourage ex military personnel along with members of the community to get involved in our Gardening project. Whether planting seeds, building bird boxes and benches, designing a flower garden or just coming along to take in the views looking out to sea at St. Ishmael's. All are welcome

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INTO THE DEEP BLUE - PROJECT HAS NOW CLOSED

A VC Gallery project funded by The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust Positive Pathways Programme. Delivering multiple, adventurous activities based around the beautiful waterways and coast of Pembrokeshire on a weekly basis, for the benefit of veteran's mental health and wellbeing. 

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Be a part of our DNA

If you would like to join or find out more information on our workshops, then please just contact us.