Contact Information
Combermere Barracks
Windsor
SL4 3DN
Windsor
SL4 3DN
The Guild is set up to provide financial help, practical assistance and pastoral care to needy people residing within the Borough of Bolton. We have been doing this for more than one hundred years.
The Borough consists of Bolton, Horwich, Westhoughton, Farnworth, Blackrod and all the outlying villages plus anywhere else with a BL postcode who pays their council tax to Bolton Council.
Our Bolton Veterans Aid project provides support to an ever growing number of ex-serviceman and woman, and their families, resident in the Borough.
The Guild has been providing assistance to needy people in Bolton since 1905.
Assistance offered includes the provision of white & brown goods, school uniforms, and debt management advice via our partnership with Christians Against Poverty (CAP). Also, benefits checks via our partnership with Citizens Advice. But we will consider any reasonable requests for help and each case is judged on its merits.
The Guild also acts as a referral agency to local food banks. And, in partnership with Bolton Lions, we provide needy families with sacks of toys at Christmas
We work in partnership with SSAFA The Armed Forces Charity and, also, the Bolton Armed Forces Centre 4 Veterans in support of the military family within the Borough
The Buchanan Trust provides support and assistance for those that have served in the UK’s armed forces who are in need of assistance or interested in a career in agriculture. We provide short to medium term accommodation in self contained flats and cottages on our rural estate near Ledbury for veterans and their families whilst they decide on careers in the rural or construction sectors
Training is available on our Bosbury Estate and in nearby colleges for new skills and qualifications to enhance veterans’ employability and earning capacity. We have permission for a residential training centre as well and are fund raising for that at present.
We also link with partner charities for woodland skills and therapy in our estate woodlands and work experience with Highground as well as on our in hand livestock farms.
Residential accommodation for those in financial need whilst getting back on track for a civilian career or deciding upon one after leaving the forces.
Training to gain employment skills.
Jobs on the estate as and when available, both full and part time.
To promote the defence of the Realm by any of the following means:
i. By encouraging the recruitment and retention of people in the Armed Forces, particularly the Royal Naval Reserve and in the London Division’s SOI.
ii. By increasing the military efficiency, profile and appeal of the Armed Forces, particularly units of the Royal Naval Reserve as described in the preceding clause.
iii. To help relieve members of the Royal Naval Reserve and their dependents within the London Divisions SOI who are in conditions of need, hardship, or distress.
Caring for people with severe physical disabilities.
Subsidised respite care may be available in cases of financial hardship. Residential and respite/holiday nursing care.
Rehabilitation, physiotherapy, postural and cognitive assessments, day care, counselling, speech and language therapy, bespoke splinting.
The David Ellis Charity is proud to be an armed forces-friendly organisation whose purpose is to support armed forces veterans, their families, and those visiting Dorset. This includes supporting serving armed forces personnel and families living in and working in Dorset.
The David Ellis Charity provides:
• The advancement of health and the improvement of lives through free recreation, leisure, social welfare activities, education and training.
• Facilities for recreation and leisure-time occupation in the interests of social welfare to improve the condition of life, by providing a fulfilling, calming and safe environment, where peer-to-peer support and self-dependency are encouraged.
• The relief of veterans in need because of age, ill health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage by providing advice, grants and provision of items to encourage self-dependency in partnership with veterans and their families who live in Dorset.
The David Ellis Charity is a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and, by pledging support to the Dorset armed forces community, demonstrates an enduring commitment to those who proudly protect the nation.
The David Ellis Charity delivers an established programme of free fitness classes and other health and wellbeing activities funded by grant awards, fundraising, and sponsorship at venues in Dorset. Exercise fitness and Pilates instructors are all CIMSPA-registered qualified fitness professionals, who tailor exercise classes to meet the needs of a range of physical challenges.
Once a month, walk leaders lead a group walk and a chat in the beautiful Dorset countryside at a variety of well-established town and countryside walk routes. Licensed Archery GB instructors can help veterans and families new to archery learn and enjoy the sport. As well as being a rewarding physical activity, archery can also help boost mental wellbeing.
A weekly veterans and families drop-in session provides veterans and families with free refreshments and the opportunity to chat with others who might have similar experiences. Veterans and families can relax and enjoy a chat amongst friends with free on-site parking and wheelchair access.
Qualified first aid instructors provide training and a recognised H&S qualification to support the employment of veterans, military spouses/partners, and their families, including cadet instructors and volunteers. Funding can also be provided for short vocational courses that enhance employability and facilitate a smooth transition into civilian life for veterans and their families.
Regular volunteer opportunities are offered at local venues and events to boost confidence, enhance CVs and job applications that can improve career options for the Dorset armed forces community. Volunteering also provides a good opportunity for peer-to-peer support and to build self-dependency.
Provision of offshore sailing to disabled Ex Service Personnel and their dependants and disabled other people of all ages and disabilities.
Offshore Sailing
Day Sailing
Cruises varying in length between 2 and 10 days
RYA Practical Courses
Races
Afghanistan support
In light of recent events in Afghanistan, please find information and support resources here