Old Comrades LI
A safe space and peer support for veterans who served in Northern Ireland, and who carry what that asks of people. Trauma-informed storytelling work, and the Veterans Community Breakfast, so that nobody carries it alone.
Each was built by someone who saw a need and refused to look away. Each carries expertise, trust and lived experience that can't be replaced, and each makes every other one stronger by being part of this.
Every organisation here is completely at home in its own community. Between them, that reaches across grief, young motherhood, life after military service, arriving in a new country, making things alongside other people, and staying well in later life.
Different doors, and behind each one much the same thing: people getting through what life puts in front of them, alongside people who understand it.
A safe space and peer support for veterans who served in Northern Ireland, and who carry what that asks of people. Trauma-informed storytelling work, and the Veterans Community Breakfast, so that nobody carries it alone.
Support for people who have come to the UK seeking safety, as they find their way through language, culture and paperwork. Led by people who have been through it themselves, so that everyone can find their footing, know their rights, and build a life here.
Peer support for people and families coping with loss. Shane built it out of her own grief after losing both her sons. More than 900 people have been to its sessions, and it works for the reason she started it: the support comes from people who have walked the same road.
Peer support and community for teenage and young mothers in Shrewsbury. Jodi started it from her own experience of needing it, and it carries on through every stage of motherhood, so that no young mum is doing it on her own.
King's Award-winning work with Eastern European communities across Shropshire, in their own languages and on their own terms. From domestic abuse prevention to health, wellbeing and connection, so that everyone living in Shropshire belongs here and is safe here.
Tai Chi and Qigong for wellbeing, movement and connection, led by Faye Yip in Telford. Classes run in person and online, with seated versions, so that people with limited mobility or long-term health conditions take part alongside everyone else. What began as a small funded programme has grown into a community where people find balance, confidence, and each other.
A creative hub where people come together to make things, learn and get to know each other. Affordable space, and social enterprise opportunities that build skills, confidence and company.
Brighter Days is a community interest company with an asset lock, two named directors, and its governing documents published in full.