‘Blue Skies’ scheme flying high in Glasgow thanks to AFCFT

08 February 2024

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT) has awarded nearly £14,500 to SSAFA’s Glasgow’s Helping Heroes (GHH). The grant comes from AFCFT’s “Force for Change” fund, and will go towards the Blue Skies project run by GHH.

Supported by Glasgow City Council, GHH helps those in the city who are serving or have served, as well as their families. The Force for Change programme award grants of up to £15,000 for community projects that reduce isolation and promote integration in local Armed Forces communities.

Speaking for GHH, its Operations Manager Ryan MacDonald, said: “We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support received from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

“Our ‘Blue Skies’ project helps our veterans to combat social isolation, foster new friendships in the community and promotes positive mental health and wellbeing. It does this by providing weekly in-person sessions for veterans to come together for activities that promote camaraderie, and improve their self-esteem through cognitive based activities, combined with practical assistance with areas such as housing and employment.

“The project is exceeding our expectations and is making a huge difference to the 11 participants involved. These positive changes and the successes achieved would not have been possible without the support of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.”

Sonia Howe, Director of Policy and Communications at AFCFT, said: “We are delighted to see projects like Blue Skies addressing social isolation in Forces communities, a key theme addressed by our Force for Change programme. We look forward to seeing the positive impact that this funding will have on veterans and their families.”