A new project designed to encourage older veterans in Colchester to participate in sports and physical activities, has been launched.

The Colchester United Community Foundation (CUCF) is behind the initiative with weekly sessions starting on April 17 between 10am - 12pm, taking place at the Shrub End Community & Sports Centre.

The project, free to any individual who has served in His Majesty's Armed Forces, aims to foster a sense of camaraderie and engagement among veterans by facilitating their involvement in sports or physical activities of their preference.

Ed King, who is the head of health and inclusion at CUCF, said: "We are very thankful to the Armed Forces Covenant Fund for supplying us with the funding to be able to deliver this exciting programme.

"We hope that this programme can support veterans with their mental and physical health by using the engagement strength of Colchester United Football Club in and around the communities of Colchester to reach out to older veterans and support them to take part in regular activities to reduce loneliness and social isolation."

The Veterans Project primarily targets veterans aged 55 and above, yet welcomes the participation of all veterans in the area.

The project aims to supplement the existing veteran support systems in Colchester by leveraging CUCF's long-standing affiliations and partnerships with various elements of the armed forces.

Through these connections, CUCF aims to raise awareness of the programme and cater to veterans who would benefit most from the project's offerings.

Funded by an Armed Forces Covenant Fund grant of £13,440, the initiative is set to run for 48 sessions from April 2024 to March 2025.

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund is renowned for awarding grants to ventures aimed at supporting the armed forces community.

In 2022-2023 alone, the fund disbursed more than £14 million to assist community projects intended to aid armed forces members, veterans, and their families.

Those interested in the Veterans Project can contact Mr King, head of health and inclusion at CUCF, via edward.king@colchesterunited.net.