South Shields-based Veterans Response CIC receives almost £20,000 from the Asda Foundation

Veterans Response CIC, on King Street, in South Shields has received a grant of £19,500 from the Asda Foundation which will go towards transforming its community space.

The CIC is a veteran-led organisation that is dedicated to empowering and supporting veterans across South Tyneside.

Their main activities include support services such as a foodbank, housing and benefits advice, employment assistance, mental health referrals and more.

It also focuses on community building through social events such as coffee mornings and running its own breakfast club, as well as hosting workshops on a variety of topics.

The funding from the Asda Foundation will allow Veterans Response CIC to give their centre a comprehensive refurbishment, which will include upgrading heating, windows, electrical systems, lighting and creating a network infrastructure to ensure it has a comfortable and functional space.

There will a refresh of the walls, floors, furnishings and kitchen to help turn the centre into an even more welcoming environment.

Mavis Maughan, customer and community champion at Asda South Shields, surprised Veterans Response CIC earlier this week with a cheque for the grant.

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She said: “It was an absolute honour and a privilege to present this Asda Foundation grant for £19,500 to the Veterans Response CIC group.

“This money means the group makes some real fundamental changes to make the spaces more accessible and welcoming.

“The team here work tirelessly in the community, providing great support to veterans and the wider community. 

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the work get started.”

The grant for Veterans Response CIC forms part of a staggering £1.2million in funding which has been awarded to community projects across the UK by the Asda Foundation.