The Veterans’ Foundation has awarded Woody’s Lodge a grant of nearly £20,000 to help fund the salary of a dedicated support worker to aid armed forces veterans across Wales.
The grant of £19,800 was awarded in June and will go towards the salary of Senior Support Officer, Judy Thomas, for a year.
Judy manages a team of support workers at the charity’s three social hubs - Amelia Trust Farm near Barry, Eirias Park in Colwyn Bay and Penlan Farm in Llandysul.
It is the second grant given to Woody’s Lodge by The Veterans’ Foundation, which raises funds to help charities provide vital assistance to the armed forces’ community.
Woody’s Lodge CEO, Graham Jones, said: “We are very grateful to The Veterans’ Foundation for this grant, which will help us continue to provide much needed support to our veterans.
“Judy’s role is crucial in training, signposting and mentoring our fantastic team so they can best help the many veterans who rely on our social hubs for their wellbeing.”
In the last year Woody’s Lodge had more than 5,500 visits from veterans who had left the service and were looking for camaraderie and a safe and friendly place to interact with others like themselves.
“We know how important these key workers are, and by funding their salaries we help free up charities’ vital funds for direct support,” said The Veterans’ Foundation Grants Manager, Sarah Kelling.
“We were impressed with the work Woody’s Lodge’s does to help veterans, who often feel isolated after leaving their service, and we’re delighted to be able to help them continue in this way.”
