Vigilance can report that the latest Personnel Recovery Centre (PRC), named Chavasse VC House, was officially opened on Tuesday, 8th of May by Help for Heroes (H4H) and the Ministry of Defence (MOD).
The new, purpose built Recovery Centre, funded by Help for Heroes with a contribution from The Royal British Legion towards its operating costs, will provide first class facilities for wounded, injured and sick Service personnel. It will include accommodation, social areas, family rooms and a state of the art fitness centre, as well as comprehensive and coordinated on-going support.
Chavasse VC House can accommodate up to 27 personnel, including two families, and a further 30 day residents. It will also offer training facilities, classrooms, and gymnasiums with state-of-the-art sports equipment. This will provide the residents with opportunities to learn new skills, gain qualifications, and make a smooth transition into civilian life or return to duty.
As well as being there for current serving personnel, Chavasse VC House facilities and services are open to wounded, injured and sick veterans on a needs basis. A Support Hub, offering a ‘one stop shop’ of advice and support for residents, veterans and their families, will provide access to the expertise of many welfare agencies, service charities and organisations. This includes advice and guidance on a number of issues including; money, health, housing, social and much more.
Bryn Parry, CEO & co-founder, Help for Heroes said: “The opening of Colchester Personnel Recovery Centre is an important milestone in the wider Defence Recovery Capability. Facilities such as this would not be possible if it were not for the great British public who continue to support our wounded heroes. These men and women are young now but they will grow old and need the support now and for the rest of their lives and Chavasse VC House will provide that support to those who need it in the local area.”
Major General Gerry Berragan, MOD said: “We in the Armed Forces are extremely grateful for all the hard work involved, not only in successfully delivering this project, but also to the continued commitment shown by our partners and all the Service Charities who are working to make the Defence Recovery Capability such a success. As part of that capability, Centres such as Chavasse VC House will make a tremendous difference to our wounded, injured and sick personnel and their families.”
John Crisford, National Vice Chairman of The Royal British Legion, said: “The range of support, both practical and emotional, that Colchester PRC will provide to the wounded, injured and sick Service personnel who come here will make a vital contribution to their recovery, whether they return to duty or move into civilian life. They have given so much for our country and deserve nothing less. The Royal British Legion will always support them and their families, and is very proud to be supporting this Centre.”
Help for Heroes, working closely with the MOD, are creating Chavasse VC House with contributions from other Service charities, most notably The Royal British Legion who have agreed to fund a very significant part of the operating costs. H4H is leading on the delivery, running, management, and staffing of the centre working in partnership with the Army who have provided staff to command, care for and deliver key recovery activities to serving soldiers.
Chavasse VC House is the latest centre to be opened as part of the nationwide Defence Recovery Capability (DRC). The DRC is an MOD led initiative in partnership with Help for Heroes (H4H) and The Royal British Legion alongside other Service charities and agencies. It ensures that wounded, injured and sick personnel have access to the key services and resources needed to help them either return to duty or make a smooth transition into an appropriately skilled civilian life.