Entrain Space, the veterans’ campus in Wilton, has received a donation of more than £17,000 from the Royal British Legion.
The money meant Entrain was able to buy washer/dryers for each individual flat at its facility and "significantly enhance" the independent-living experience for its 44 resident military veterans.
Jonathan Everett, Chairman of the Salisbury branch of the RBL, visited Entrain Space in Wilton to welcome the delivery of the machines, along Branch President Chris Child, and RBL Trustee Phil Davies.
They were joined by Matthew Bell, Founder and Trustee of Entrain Space, as well as members of the Entrain Space team and residents.
Entrain Space’s mission is to help veterans and their families transition into civilian life successfully; it provides them with their own individual flat along with the support, training, and employment opportunities to make that work.
Finding the resources for individual washer/dryers to upgrade the experience for residents has been a priority. The communal laundry room will be repurposed as additional meeting space for delivering support services.
Kenny Brown, Veterans Liaison Manager at Entrain Space, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Royal British Legion for their generous donation. Our residents can now enjoy the comfort and privacy of managing their own laundry in their own flat, which is a significant step in fostering self-sufficiency and independence.”
Matthew Bell said: “Many of our residents have faced being at risk of homelessness and all the challenges that brings. When they arrive at Entrain Space, we pride ourselves on providing an independent flat, move in-pack and holistic support package. Having the ability to do your own laundry in your own place impacts many different aspects of life that many of us probably take for granted, for example, laundering work clothes that fit your shift patterns. I cannot thank the RBL enough for helping us to achieve this final piece in our jigsaw of independent living.”
Entrain Space approached Building Heroes to collaborate on the installation of the washer/dryers. Building Heroes is a charity providing training and employment support to veterans and other members of the Armed Forces community as a gateway to new careers in construction.
Their Salisbury cohort of learners will be able to apply their newly developed skills of basic joinery in a real-life setting under the guidance of professionals.
Carl Brown, a British Army veteran and Entrain Space resident said: “Having my own washing machine in my flat is going to make a huge difference in my daily life. Not having to rely on the communal laundry may seem like a small change, but it gives me a sense of independence and comfort that I haven’t had in a long time. I’m truly grateful for this donation from the Royal British Legion.”
Matthew also thanked Nigel McNally and his team from local firm, Baileys Domestic Appliances, Plumbing and Heating, for supplying the washer/dryers.
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