Cheshire Constabulary donates £10,000 to Cheshire veterans’ charities

A locally active veteran’s charity has been awarded £10,000 as part of the Cheshire Constabulary in the Community Christmas initiative, in recognition of their work in supporting former service personnel after they return to civilian life.

Cheshire Constabulary has been spreading the festive cheer this week, as Chief Constable Mark Roberts has been donating £50k to five worthy charities whose work supports the community and our local residents. 

This £50k comes from funds recovered under the Police Property Act and will go directly to supporting the communities the Constabulary serves.

On Thursday 18th December Chief Inspector Tom Hall presented Andy Preece of the Forces Employment Charity's Operation Nova with a cheque for £10,000 to support their work in Cheshire on behalf of the Chief Constable.

The Forces Employment Charity stands by ex-Forces personnel, many of whom work within the Constabulary as officers or staff members, providing life-long, life-changing support, jobs and training opportunities to Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their spouses, partners and children.

This support is delivered by experienced advisors, many of whom also served, who are committed to helping veterans succeed by harnessing their military skills for new jobs outside of the service. 

By working with them, veterans are in the best position to transfer these skills into other sectors, giving them the confidence to advance in their careers and demonstrate to employers their value in the workforce. 

The charity also works very closely with veterans who have come into contact with the justice system, providing specialist support that takes into account their veteran identity and experiences.

Chief Constable Mark Roberts said:

“We highly value the skills, attributes and experience of those with an Armed Forces background – including many of our officers and staff members who have been involved with the military – and the fantastic work they have done, and continue to do, to keep our country safe. 

"Returning to non-military life can bring a number of challenges for veterans and their families, but the work Forces’ Employment  does is vital to those who have fought for their country, by getting them onto the road of success in all elements of civilian life once their service ends.

"The charity’s NOVA justice services programme in particular has consistently proved that identifying, engaging and supporting veterans can have both life-changing and life-saving outcomes, so I am more than pleased to present them with this cheque for £10,000 to help them in continuing to look out for our former servicemen and women." 

Andy Preece, NOVA Caseworker, Forces Employment Charity said:

“Cheshire Police has a phenomenal understanding and awareness of the challenges facing Service leavers, and we look forward to investing this money back into the community through our work with local veterans.” 

To find out more the work The Force's Employment Charity does, you can visit their website.