Collins Seafoods, a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, is deepening its commitment to veterans and their families. The covenant, a national pledge to treat those who have served the country with fairness and respect, inspired Collins Seafoods to explore local facilities supporting veterans. This led to the discovery of the remarkable Veterans Community and Enterprise Centre (Newton Aycliffe) CIC.
Jill Saint, Transport and Operations Manager at Collins Seafoods and a Royal Navy veteran (1991–2001), alongside Elaine Armstrong, Sales and Marketing Executive, recently visited the centre located on the Newton Aycliffe Business Park. The Veterans Community and Enterprise Centre provides a welcoming space for veterans to access qualified support and engage in activities promoting health and well-being.
During their visit, Jill and Elaine were warmly welcomed by Chris Morgan, CEO of the centre and a retired veteran himself. Chris guided them on a tour, sharing the centre’s mission to assist veterans with mental and physical health conditions by engaging them in meaningful activities.
“The concept is to engage veterans with mental and physical health conditions in meaningful activities that help rehabilitate, build practical skills, develop resilience, and prevent deterioration of health,” Chris explained. “It is also aimed at helping veterans’ families understand more about the effects of PTSD and other health-related conditions sustained during active service.”
The centre offers a variety of resources and programmes, including:
• A workshop where veterans craft high-quality furniture and goods to
help sustain the centre.
• Wood skills workshops that teach hand carving, scroll saw work, and
basic woodworking techniques.
• Crafty Comrades sessions, introducing veterans to art, model
making, and 3D printing.
• A ‘Hire a Bench’ scheme, allowing veterans to work on personal
projects with access to tools after an induction course.
• The Vintage Veterans Project, where participants restore vintage
machinery, such as a Massey Ferguson tractor and a 1932 Albion
lorry.
Additionally, the centre is working toward opening an onsite café, envisioned as a community hub for veterans and their families to gather over breakfast, homemade cakes, or simply a chat with like-minded people.
“The company’s activities provide invaluable benefits to veterans navigating the transition from military to civilian life, while fostering a community of understanding and support.”
Collins Seafoods encourages everyone to support this vital initiative. There are many ways to get involved:
• Follow the centre on social media to help raise awareness.
• Share posts featuring their high-quality, handcrafted furniture for sale.
• Volunteer your time to assist with projects, administration, or
fundraising.
The Veterans Community and Enterprise Centre (Newton Aycliffe) CIC stands as a lifeline for many, offering veterans a sense of purpose, community, and hope for the future.
To learn more or get involved, visit: www.vcec.co.uk
Facebook: The Veterans Community and Enterprise Centre – Newton Aycliffe – CIC.
Photo: left to right – Heather Dickinson, Richard Stoker, Kerry Doolin and Paul Cappleman.
