Erskine Reaches Out to Morayshire Community Ahead of Veterans Activity Centre Opening

Erskine Veterans Charity is reaching out to the Morayshire community as it prepares to open the new Erskine Veterans Activity Centre (EVAC) in Forres this December.

Located at the former Victoria Hotel on Tytler Street, the centre will provide Veterans with a dedicated space to socialise, develop new skills, and enjoy a welcoming environment designed specifically for their needs.

To ensure the centre delivers the best possible service, Erskine, Scotland’s leading Veterans charity, is looking to engage with the local community via two community engagement sessions which will be held on:

Date: Tuesday, 15th October 2024

Location: Forres House Community Centre, 27D High St, Forres IV36 1BU

Times: 1:30pm – 3:30pm and 6:00pm – 8:00pm

All local residents are invited to attend. There will be an opportunity to learn more about the new centre and to meet the team leading the project. Debs Dickson, Regional Manager EVAC Services, and Davie Grant, Manager of the Erskine Veterans Activity Centre along with ERMAC Veteran members will all be available to answer questions about how the centre will serve Veterans and the community.

In addition a survey is also available, the results of which will directly influence the development of this vibrant hub, helping to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of Veterans in the area. The community survey can be completed by visiting:

www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZZHBC27

The survey is open until 18th October 2024. Erskine is encouraging all residents to get involved and shape the future of this important resource for Veterans by sharing their thoughts.

The new Forres centre will be modelled on the successful Erskine Reid Macewen Activity Centre (ERMAC), which has served nearly 400 members over the past six years. The centre will offer a variety of services, from sports and recreation to computing, arts, and health-related activities, as well as providing a space for Veterans to relax and engage with peers.

Wing Commander Ian Cumming MBE, Chief Executive at Erskine, said:

"We are incredibly excited to progress this local transformation. The establishment of the Erskine Veterans Activity Centre, in Forres, is part of our ongoing nationwide expansion to better support Veterans and their families across Scotland. We believe that providing a dedicated space for Veterans to come together, access support services, and engage in various activities, will greatly benefit the surrounding community and honour the sacrifices made by those who have served our country."

For Veterans interested in joining EVAC, please contact EVAC Administrator Debra Anderson at debra.anderson@erskine.org.uk for more information or visit our website on www.erskine.org.uk.

To find out more about Erskine Veterans Charity’s work please visit our website at www.erskine.org.uk, follow on twitter @ErskineCharity via Facebook www.facebook.com/ErskineVeteransCharity or listen to Erskine Veterans Radio at Erskine.org.uk/radio. To donate directly to Erskine, please visit Erskine.org.uk/donate.