Veterans’ Foundation funding will enable one-to-one support for veterans involved in nuclear testing almost 70 years on from Britain’s first atomic test in October 1952.
With increasing complexities becoming clear in both the psychological and physiological effects of British nuclear testing, the British Nuclear Test Veterans’ Association (BNTVA) have been awarded a £20,000 grant to help satisfy the growing need for support.
The BNTVA has relied wholly on volunteers to carry out its services to date and this award will help pay the part-time costs of a Chief Executive Officer and a Community Engagement Officer, enabling the charity to work closer with those who require their unique expertise.
“The Veterans' Foundation has enabled the BNTVA to commence more comprehensive welfare work into 2022,” said Ceri McDade, Chair of the BTNVA.
“This funding has come at an opportune time for us to meet need, alleviate loneliness and communicate with our remaining veterans on a one-to-one level.”
Established in 1983, the charity seeks recognition for those who participated in the development of the UK’s nuclear deterrent from 1952 to 1967 in Australia, Christmas and Maiden Island, whether they served in the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy or Army.
The BNTVA have also provided welfare services for nuclear test veterans since 2017, as well as research into the health effects of those tests and the preservation of the legacy of Commonwealth nuclear tests.
“We are grateful to the trustees of the Veterans' Foundation for the understanding they have shown for our vision and expansion of the BNTVA's operational infrastructure and unique welfare services,” added Ceri.
“We would like to thank the people who play the Veterans' Lottery, those with a heart for helping military veterans and, of course, to the Veterans' Foundation for continued support and practical assistance for Britain's nuclear test veterans.”
To find out more about the BNTVA, please visit www.bntva.com, or to play the Veterans’ Lottery and support many more great causes just like this, sign up here.
