Charity hosts a family day for former veterans and their families

Local charity Improving Lives Plymouth hosted a Family Day for former veterans and their families.

The event was funded by Annington, the company responsible for refurbishing former MOD properties on Holmwood Avenue in Plymstock, and took place in the organisation’s sister building on Mannamead Road, where all 83 attendees, including the Plymouth Fire Service, local police officers and The Royal Navy Bomb Disposal Team, enjoyed a fun-filled day with a treasure hunt, barbecue, ice cream, and bouncy castles.

Improving Lives Plymouth aims to foster a community dedicated to improving health and wellbeing. The group’s dedicated Veterans and Family hub provides regular support for former Service personnel and their families. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the last Family Day event took place three years ago, however, celebrations were able to resume thanks to a donation from Annington.

Ann-Marie Woollacott, Veterans Project Co-ordinator for Improving Lives Plymouth, comments: “After a few tough years, it’s been great to gather at the Mannamead Hub. It’s not often that we’re all under the one roof, but when we are, it highlights the sense of camaraderie and allows families to meet others within the flourishing Service community here in Plymouth. I’d like to thank Annington for its donation, it’s been brilliant to see all the children enjoying themselves and giving the parents some down time too!” 

Stacy Whitehead, Marketing Manager at Annington, added: “It’s extremely rewarding to see the community spirit that this summer Family Fun Day has created. We are happy to have played a small part in being able to facilitate the event. We hope everyone had a great time and that the donation from Annington aided some lasting friendships within this close-knit community.”

Annington recently launched an exciting collection of three-bedroom homes to Plymstock, which is popular with first time buyers and young families and just a 15 minute drive to Plymouth, with starting prices of £215,000.