Blue Van Armed Forces Veterans Drop-In CIO

Our aim is to support veterans their families and cares. We achieve this through signposting and referring to professional services, befriending and social inclusion. Supporting those who have been left with social and health inequalities. We provide help at the point of need, when needed. About us
We are a small, but growing CIO who support our armed forces veterans and their families and carers. We started as a not for profit in March 2017 then as a CIC in October 2020 and as a CIO from February 2021. We are veterans supporting veterans. We do not have ANY paid workers / volunteers. All volunteers have served in the forces or have close links. Members of the local Veterans Breakfast club also support users of the Drop-in with several volunteering. What we Do
We provide a safe place, providing friendship and camaraderie, through social interaction to help end loneliness and the opportunity to talk with fellow veterans who speak the same language and had the same or similar experiences to help and support veterans and their families with issues ranging from healthcare, physical & mental to social care and homelessness. We can also access legal and financial professionals and a range of veteran charities such as SSAFA, Combat Stress and NHS CCG Armed Forces Network and their champions’ programme

Currently we are looking for a new base following the closure of the RAFA Club Eastbourne. We have links with other charitable groups in working to develop a structured and coordinated response to needs. We refer veterans in a timely fashion in conjunction with professional services. We are a community of over 1000 in the Eastbourne and surrounding area with 350 members of the Eastbourne Seaford and Lewes Veterans Breakfast club alone. We also have a Veterans Aid to Civil Community (VACC) projects team. This is where veteran volunteers undertake works for communities and other Charities and organisations. They supply materials we supply the grunt [and groans of old bones]. We are supported by local businesses in Eastbourne, and surrounding areas. This has proved to be a popular programme with the veterans for focussing their minds and skills and also having a therapeutic effect.