This weeks news story as this week we have been working with a local charity issue which bears extremely close ties to us here at Ascendant Lifts & Escalators and an organization we feel deserves more exposure and to be acknowledged for the fantastic work they do for the local community.

A few days ago, our service sales manager Justine Bland dropped into Veterans In Crisis, a Sunderland based charity which predominantly works towards helping ex-forces men or women, who are struggling with life post service – get back on their feet. Veterans In Crisis not only supports these people, but in certain circumstances also offer support to the families of the bereaved who lost their lives serving in the armed forces.

The sort of help they offer varies and comes in many different forms, including working in partnership with Springboard, Gentoo and Engie to provide first class training to clients looking to get back into employment. VICS also have their own in-house councillor who is readily available to chat to any ex-veteran or family member who needs to chat. This service is confidential, safe, and relaxed and aims to help veterans and their families to take the right steps towards better mental health and wellbeing. VICS have also recently opened a gym – The SARC (Sports And Recreation Centre) so ex-veterans can complete all sorts of training and 1-2-1 exercises – which as we all know is a fantastic way to  improve mental wellbeing. They hold fundraising events regularly for the community and are always finding new ways to improve the quality of life of these fantastic men and women who have given so much for our country.

Each Christmas, Veterans In Crisis raise funds to provide Christmas dinners for a veteran in need. This may be for Veterans and their families who are finding times difficult in the cost of living crisis. It could also be for a Veteran without family who will be spending Christmas alone, which is something we believe no one should have to do!

Ascendant Lifts & Escalators are proud to have donated 10 Christmas dinners for those in need this festive period, here pictured below is the Founder and CEO of VICS, Ger Fowler with Justine after the cheque was donated.

Merry Christmas to you all, from Ascendant Lifts & Escalators.