(Image: Supplied)
The future of a North East veterans’ charity is set to be secured after work began on a major extension that will make its facilities accessible to more former service personnel and their families.
Groundworks are now under way at the Sunderland head office of Veterans in Crisis (VICS), based on Roker Avenue.
The expansion will create a fully accessible space designed to support the needs of veterans and their families.
Work has now begun on a new extension to Veterans in Crisis’ Roker Avenue head office, designed to make the charity’s services more accessible to veterans and their families
(Image: Supplied)
The project is being delivered with the support of Building Design Northern (BDN), an architectural, structural and civil engineering firm known for its work on developments such as Sheepfolds Stables and Eastgate Point.
Paul McLoughlin, business development manager at Veterans in Crisis, said: "We are incredibly appreciative of everything BDN has done for us.
"They have gone far beyond what we could ever have expected and the support they’ve provided has been exceptional.
"As a small community interest company, funding is always a challenge, and we rely on generating our income to deliver projects like this.
"Having BDN contribute their expertise as part of their social value commitment has been immense for us and has helped turn what started as a simple idea into a transformational project."
The extension will improve accessibility throughout the building, making it easier for veterans with mobility needs to access services and support.
It will include improved wheelchair access, hearing loops, and enhanced wayfinding for visually impaired visitors.
The expanded space will also enable the charity to offer a wider range of activities, including art therapy, wellbeing sessions, book clubs, and community events.
In addition, the facility will provide practical support such as cooking facilities, laundry access, and shower facilities.
Mr McLoughlin said: "It will also allow us to expand the activities and support we offer, helping even more veterans rebuild their lives.
"When the project is complete, it will be a fantastic example of what can be achieved when businesses and charities work together for the benefit of the community."
Veterans in Crisis has supported more than 500 homeless veterans into housing since 2018.
The charity continues to provide emergency accommodation, food bank support, and counselling delivered by qualified therapists with lived military experience.
Luke Darwin, director of structural engineering at BDN, said: "Supporting projects like this is something we’re incredibly passionate about.
Read more
Growing North East firm set to move HQ into office it helped design and build
Work starts on North East 'coastal village' next to seafood restaurant
Residents invited to help shape plans for Metro extension to North East town
"Veterans in Crisis provides life-changing support to former members of the Armed Forces and we’re proud to have been able to contribute our architectural, structural and civil engineering expertise to help make this vision a reality.
"Accessibility was at the heart of the design and it's rewarding to know that this extension will help ensure more veterans can access the services they need in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.
"Seeing work now underway is fantastic and we look forward to watching the project take shape."