A local charity has received a funding boost meaning it can continue its vital work in the community.

Voluntary Action Swindon has recently announced that it has received a further two years of funding from the Veterans’ Foundation to continue employing our Veteran Support Navigator, Katie Linstead.

Katie, a veteran support navigator at the charity, is a military wife living with her family at Brize Norton, so understands the needs of those serving, transitioning into civilian life and veterans.

The aim over the next two years is to continue raising awareness of support needs and the presence of service and welfare providers in Swindon.

A spokesperson for the organisation said: "We would also like to hear from people who can volunteer to help Katie gather information to understand these gaps and feedback to service and welfare providers.

"Ideally the volunteers will be veterans themselves, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs), Reservists, Military spouses and partners or a family member willing to volunteer for a few hours per month.

The funding will also mean that the Swindon veteran drop-in can continue.

This service runs on the last Tuesday of every month in Sanford House, Sanford Street, between 11:30 am-14:30 pm.

All veterans, their families and serving military are invited to come along to this session and socialise and have a chat with other veterans.

The spokesperson added: "You can meet with service providers, such as Help for Heroes, NHS Op Courage, Veterans UK, Seetec and SBC Housing Options. New attendees and service providers are welcome anytime.

"Our next drop-in is on Tuesday 30th April, between 11:30 am-14:30 pm. Refreshments will be provided."

Voluntary Action Swindon are the local Council for the Voluntary Sector (CVS), an infrastructure organisation that supports the local voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE) with funding and governance advice, collaboration, and a wide variety of services, including room hire and DBS checks.

It supports the sector in collaboration to deliver projects and get the best outcomes for the residents of Swindon.

"We are also the voice of the sector on several boards including the Integrated Care Board. VAS run several networks and projects within Swindon’s VCSE, including Volunteering Swindon, Veterans support, Sanford House community hub, Swindon Equality Coalition and Swindon Youth Voice project," the spokesperson added.