BFBS Big Salute charity reveals CREDIT BFBS
Forces Charities

'That's amazing': BFBS Big Salute fundraising gives a boost to military charities

BFBS Big Salute charity reveals CREDIT BFBS

Seven military charities that support the Armed Forces community are to benefit from thousands of pounds raised by the BFBS Big Salute. 

Military charity BFBS is a broadcaster that offers entertainment, Forces News, sport and information services to the Armed Forces, their families and veterans worldwide.

Nicky Ness, BFBS' Director of Broadcasting and Entertainment, said: "BFBS is delighted to be able to support these very worthy organisations."

She added: "It's wonderful to see such an array of projects and the different ways each charity is planning to spend the money to support our military community."

To raise much-needed money for a range of Armed Forces charities and build morale among the military community overseas, BFBS staff and audiences take part in fundraising events every year. 

BFBS welcomes online applications for project-based grants up to the value of £10,000 per charity, which can make a huge difference to the lives of those in need in the Armed Forces community, from service children to veterans.

Previous grants have helped charities like Broughton House – Veteran Care Village buy a bandstand and Defence Medical Welfare Service provide one year of welfare support to 175 Armed Forces community members across Nottinghamshire.

Following last year's application process, the Big Salute committee has awarded grants to: 

Hounds for Heroes 

Hounds for Heroes provide specially trained assistance dogs to injured and disabled men and women of the UK Armed Forces.

The Big Salute grant will fund their Partnerships Aftercare Programme for three dogs and three beneficiaries for up to one year. 

Video: The BFBS Big Salute grant will support assistance dogs for veterans.

Care For Veterans

Care For Veterans is a charity that provides nursing care and rehabilitation to physically disabled ex-Service personnel of all ages.

A Big Salute grant will help meet the cost of converting one twin room to form two single rooms, thereby improving residents' capacity and privacy while increasing fee income. 

Video: Military charity Care For Veterans is to benefit from a BFBS Big Salute grant.

Supporting Wounded Veterans 

Each year, Supporting Wounded Veterans provides seven days of "sporthabilitation" to a carefully selected group of up to 30 physically and mentally injured military personnel which enables them to regain their confidence and embark on a new path to fitness and wellbeing.

Video: The BFBS Big Salute grant will help support wounded veterans.

Sporting Force 

Sporting Force is a sports charity dedicated to supporting ex-service personnel.

The grant from the Big Salute will help meet the cost of providing a hoist for the resistance pool and exercise unit in their gym. 

Video: Grant will make a "massive difference" to Sport Force.

Waterloo Uncovered 

The money will go towards supporting a two-week archaeological excavation of the Waterloo battlefield.

Veterans work alongside professional archaeologists to learn new skills while uncovering the secrets of this pivotal battle.

Individualised and professional wellbeing support is provided throughout the programme and it is a truly life-changing experience. 

Video: Military archaeology charity to be boosted by "amazing" BFBS Big Salute grant.

Felix Fund 

Felix Fund aims to assist with the well-being of individuals within the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Search Community across all British military.

The Big Salute grant will enhance its Dashboard training and support a newly developed, bi-annual Mindfulness Course for spouses and partners of serving personnel and veterans. 

Video: The grant awarded to the bomb disposal charity will make "such a difference".

Erskine 

Erskine is Scotland’s largest veteran charity. The money provided by the Big Salute will go towards funding pottery and artistic materials to produce items for 'The Veterans Workshop' that can be offered in return for a donation. 

Want to be part of the BFBS Big Salute?

Each year, the BFBS Big Salute committee meets to discuss the applications for the coming year.

They consider all applications on merit, impact and measurable outcomes and make the awards accordingly. 

Applications will be open to Armed Forces charities to apply for the next round of grants from April 2023.

Find out more on bigsalute.com.

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