Lottery project
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Big Lottery Funded Development Project - Overview

This development project started on 1st June 2006 as a direct result of the Big Lottery funded feasibility study carried out by the NGVFA during 2004 and 2005. The project’s aim is to improve support for veterans and their families by developing the charity’s current services and adding additional new services.

New services :

• A comprehensive membership data system with specific reporting criteria to assist veterans and their families (VIPA - Veteran's Information and Personal Archive)
• IT infrastructure to support operations, administration and the new database (VIPA) and provide better quality contact with members
• Regional open days and information events, taking our help and advice out to our members and their families
• Quality printed information and access to information in other formats
• New logo for the charity
• Services developed specifically for partners and children
• New 0845 local call rate business number and a freephone 0800 helpline number for members

Enhanced services :

• An improved and more accessible website
• Extending our counselling service by recruiting counsellors around the country to provide a local service to members and their families.
• An enhanced 24hr helpline service

These services are supported by two extra members of staff.

This project is now drawing to a close and though due to end on 31st May 2009, funding for some elements has been extended until the end of August 2009.

We are pleased to report that the outcomes that were agreed at the outset of the project will be achieved by the end of the project.

We have however, learnt that a lot can change during 3 years and this has meant that we have had to be flexible and able to respond appropriately to changes. This has meant that it has been necessary to adjust the implementation timescales for some elements of the project, e.g. the new website, and some of our original plans have had to be amended in light of national and local developments - e.g. the closure of Ty Gwyn, poor attendance at and high cost of open days and political and funding changes regarding psychological support for veterans. All adjustments have all been agreed with the Big Lottery.

Now that we are in the last stretch of the project and much of the behind the scenes development work is complete, you will see some new services becoming available, in particular the launch of the new website.

If you want more information about the Big Lottery funded development project do not hesitate to get in touch - the General Manager, Maria Rusling, and the Development Project Manager, Sally-Ann Spencer Grey, will be happy to help.