BAE Systems Supports Community Foundation to Help Ex-Service Personnel

Ex-service personnel across the Fylde borough are to receive much needed support due to continued partnership working between AFC Fylde Community Foundation and BAE Systems.

The Foundation – the charitable arm of AFC Fylde – have worked with the Armed Forces Community for many years delivering life-changing projects and programmes.

During this time it has established strong partnerships with local and national organisations to be able to provide a mentoring service to those in need, led by ex-serviceman Lee Geraghty now employed full-time by the Foundation.

Recent months have seen an alarming increase in the number of local ex-service personnel living facing a range of problems, exacerbated by the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Now a much-needed cash injection from BAE Systems means the Foundation can extend the service to help those living with challenges as diverse and debilitating as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; homeless; unemployment; social isolation; and criminal tendencies.

Although considerable work has already taken place with many of the Armed Forces Community having been supported to turn their lives around, the additional funding from BAE Systems will enable the project to be further strengthened and could lead to the creation of a model that could be rolled out across the country.

Community Foundation Director Wes Partington said: “Our programme has already achieved some impressive results such as enabling individuals to complete training courses, find employment and play sport alongside other members of the Forces Community.

“Feedback from participants currently engaging with the Foundation reveals they can more easily find a common ground with Project Leader Lee as he is someone who has been in the forces and has a better understanding of the issues they are dealing with.

“The funding from BAE Systems will enable us to continue delivering this lifeline and we are incredibly grateful for that opportunity.”

The Foundation understands the importance all members of the local community can play in the delivery of this programme. They are encouraging any organisation or individual who can play a supportive role or would benefit from the project to contact the Foundation on 01772 598856 or community@afcfylde.co.uk to discuss working together to support our ex-service personnel back into society throughout Fylde. For more information and news stories please visit www.afcfyldefoundation.co.uk or keep up to date with all of our updates on twitter @afcfct.