Charity eyes UK growth after Key Fund support

A North East charity has unveiled national growth plans.

Veterans at Ease is working on a ten-year blueprint to open shops and therapy centres across the UK.

Officials say the sites will operate in “key Armed Forces communities” and build on eight existing shops.

Helping individuals facing mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, flashbacks and PTSD, the charity supports almost 500 veterans, with funds from its network of shops used to deliver neuro-linguistic psychotherapy from trained practitioners.

It was previously backed with a grant and loan investment from Key Fund to open a fundraising shop in Whitley Bay, which managing director Christina Murrell says has provided a catalyst for expansion.

She said: “The beauty of Key Fund is it gave us just enough to get started.

“It was a loan against the enterprise, meaning it didn’t risk the charity’s future if things went wrong.

“The demand for our work is incredibly strong; we receive enquiries every day, and referrals from those in urgent need.”

Africawad – which collects and recycles clothes before exporting them to West Africa to fund scores of Togolese schoolgirls’ education – is also enjoying success after Key Fund support.

Founded by Afi Dometi, an asylum seeker who fled to the UK from West Africa, Newcastle-based Africawad received a £15,400 loan and £4600 grant to boost growth plans and buy a van to move stock.

Matt Smith, Key Fund chief executive, said: “We have a proud history of backing underserved communities, but we know many marginalised groups have historically struggled to access the finance they need. 

“We’re committed to changing that.”

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