Impact and Achievements
We have successfully integrated into a large network of organizations dedicated to supporting those in need, establishing ourselves as a reliable and trusted resource within the community. Our commitment to excellence has been recognized through a nomination for “Team of the Year” at the 2024 Bolton Health and Wellbeing Awards.
We are proud to be one of the few local organizations that can provide immediate and efficient assistance to our service users. In the past three years, we’ve successfully rehoused many individuals experiencing homelessness, providing immediate accommodation or collaborating with trusted partners.
A significant milestone for us has been signing the Armed Forces Covenant and receiving the Bronze Award in 2022, which has further solidified our reputation. This achievement has been acknowledged by our local council, which has publicised our work and referred individuals to our services, enhancing our impact in the community.
Every year, the Darren Deady Foundation and the Lee Rigby Foundation come together for a charity football match, uniting the communities of both foundations to raise as much money as possible. The profits from this event are split evenly between the two foundations. The 2024 match marked our third year of hosting this event, and it continues to grow in size and impact, with plans to make it even bigger and better in the future.
We are also honoured to have the support of the Mayor of Bolton, who has a natural affinity with the Darren Deady Foundation. This connection strengthens our community ties and underscores the importance of our mission.
Our Future Goals
Our primary goal is to continue reducing homelessness among veterans and other vulnerable individuals, working tirelessly to get as many people off the streets as possible. This mission remains at the heart of our efforts moving forward.
To support this goal, we are delighted to have been offered a lease on a building in Westhoughton, which will enable us to open The Darren Deady Veterans’ Centre. Our vision for this space is to create a welcoming environment where veterans can temporarily live, address any challenges they face, and receive support in finding employment until they are ready to be rehoused.
Additionally, the building will serve as a community hub with a variety of initiatives designed to support and engage both veterans and the local community, inclusive of, but not limited to:
- A Veterans’ Breakfast Club, specifically for veterans to offer a space for camaraderie, mutual support, and shared experiences
- A room for hire to various organizations, enabling them to promote their services, educate veterans, and engage with the community
- Free hobby clubs to foster social inclusion and enhance mental well-being through shared interests and activities
- A range of sporting events to promote physical activity, community engagement, and overall health.
Alongside the opening of The Darren Deady Veterans’ Centre, we aim to achieve the Silver Award for the Armed Forces Covenant. This prestigious accolade will affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting those who have served and their families, in alignment with our mission to honour veterans with empathy and respect.
By pursuing these goals, we strive to make a meaningful impact, ensuring that veterans and their families receive the care, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. Together, we are committed to creating a brighter future for all who have served.