A group which is helping veterans through addiction and rehabilitation is having a family day with music, kids entertainment, food and a raffle to raise money to keep the vital service going.

Building Bridges CIC has now welcomed its fifth member to the project which supports veterans who want to turn their life around away from drink and drugs.

James Wild co-founder of the project said: “So much has happened since we opened the doors in the spring.

“We are now at full capacity in the first house and we have plans to open a second one as there really is a need for this kind of support in the area.” The project was set up after former RAF veteran Joe Bishop struggled with life as a civilian and his rehabilitation to get sober took him out of the area away from friends and family.

James Wild and Joe Bishop from Building Bridges are inviting the community to an open day at Buxworth Club on Remembrance Day. Phto submitted

placeholder image — James Wild and Joe Bishop from Building Bridges are inviting the community to an open day at Buxworth Club on Remembrance Day. Phto submitted

Now he heads up the day to day running of the project on Hardwick Square helping others who find themselves in the same situation he did several years ago.

James said: “We have a therapy room, and in-house coaching but it is also important for us to give the guys a sense of purpose and community so you may have seen them litter picking up helping out with the Residents of Fairfield Association or Youth Matters in New Mills.

“We’re so proud of what we achieved and we want to stay part of the community so it was so important for us to have a community day and build stronger links with people in the area.”

The open day will take place at Buxworth Club on Sunday November, 8 from 1pm.

The service is being funded by High Peak Borough Council but any additional costs - such as plans to install gym equipment in the basement, need to be funded by the group itself.

James said of the five people using the service a couple were referred from various veteran charities in the county while others have self referred.

“One veteran was sober for four years but events at the start of the year led him back to drink and he needs a fresh start and that’s what we are.

“For too many veterans there isn’t the support when they leave the military life and people struggle to adjust and end up down a path they don’t want to be.”

Building Bridges aim is to give people the life skills required to manage their own tenancy, live confidently, remain in recovery and achieve independent living.

The programme, which can last up to two years, includes maximising income, claiming benefits, budgeting and financial management as well as accessing training, education and employment, assisting clients in understanding a tenancy agreement and what their obligations are when they move in.

It also focuses on maintaining abstinence and managing substance and alcohol issues.

Looking to the future James said: “We’d love to get another, or several, properties in the area so we can help more veterans.”

To support the work of Building Bridges, donations can be made via buildingbridgescic.org