Veteran community groups in Bury will be given a cash boost amid the cost of living crisis and to help with the "impact of the closure of the Drill Hall".
Five borough community groups, which help veterans and cadets cope with rising bills and provide other support, will receive grants adding up to £12,300.
The council set aside money in its budget earlier this year to support the groups and further funding will be available.
The council said it recognises the specific challenges locally and allocated funds so that groups can help with the "impact of the current closure of the Drill Hall (the Castle Armoury site) in Bury".
The building was closed in June last year for safety reasons, prompting councillors from all parties to urge the Ministry of Defence to provide the money to save the Grade II listed town centre base.
The site was home to W Company 5th Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, 207 Field Hospital Royal Army Medical Corp and The Lancashire Royal Regiment of Fusiliers volunteer Band.
It was also the base for Bury’s Army cadets, RAF cadets, a community karate group, and the Armed Forces veterans’ breakfast club.
Cllr Richard Gold, cabinet member for finance and communities, said: “I’m delighted we’re able to support local veterans and cadet communities in the borough.
“As a proud Fusilier town, we recognise the strong links with our armed forces communities across the borough.
“Our work with veterans, serving members of the armed forces, and reservists has just been recognised and honoured with the Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.”
The support to the groups will also help with the "legacy of Covid on people’s wellbeing and connections" and "ongoing financial and broader social pressures as a result of cost of living effects".
Cllr Gold added: “The funding will be used to help veterans and cadets to take part in the life of their communities, for them to meet up and work together.
“To look at any financial issues that stop them taking part in activities, help their mental wellbeing, increase skills and development, and schemes that promote the role of cadets and veterans in the history of Bury.”
One of the groups benefiting from the funding will be the Borough of Bury Veterans Association.
They will receive a £2,500 grant for an intergenerational project bringing veterans and cadets together.
This aims to allow veterans to connect and socialise whilst engaging with cadets to discuss what it was like for them to serve, why they joined up, and learn from historical events the veterans took part in.
The Bury Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club Friends of Clarence Park will be given £2,500 each to work with cadets and veterans to coproduce Armed Forces Day celebrations including the showcasing of cadet talents and that of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Band.
The Fusiliers Museum is also receiving £2,500 of funding towards a veterans and community space at the museum to host veterans’ clubs, cadets, band rehearsals and fundraising activities.
And Psychotherapy Manchester will receive a £2,300 grant towards the establishment of a weekly art therapy group for veterans and service personnel to address trauma, increase confidence and connect with others.
Information on further help for individual members of the armed forces and veterans can be found on the council’s website at: Let's manage tough times - Bury Council
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