Bereaved families raise £10,000 for veteran care village

Bereaved families in Salford have helped to raise £10,000 for Broughton House Veteran Care Village.

The money has been raised through a charitable scheme operated by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM), of which Salford Council Bereavement Services is a member.

Under the scheme, with the consent of the family of the deceased, metal from medical implants is recycled after cremation and members of the scheme nominate charities that support and care for local people.

Salford city mayor Paul Dennett said: ‘The money raised will be used to go to Broughton House – a truly fantastic local charity which provides invaluable care and support to veterans.

‘The process of recycling the left-over metals is done with great dignity and with the wishes of family members of the deceased. We have been part of the scheme for some years now, and have made several donations to local charities over these years totalling over £50,000.

‘We are extremely grateful that, at a time of grief, families have allowed us to help others.’

Broughton House chief executive Karen Miller said: ‘The support of Salford Bereavement Services, particularly during these challenging times, is greatly appreciated and we are delighted to receive this fantastic donation.

‘It will really make a huge difference. Donations such as this enable us to continue to care for and support veterans in both our care village and the local community. We are extremely grateful to Salford Bereavement Services for their kindness and generous assistance.’

Broughton House is currently undergoing a £13m-transformation to create the UK’s first Veteran Care Village.

The first stage of the redevelopment was completed in September 2020, when veterans moved into a new three-storey building comprising 32 residential and nursing care beds over two floors.

The next stage of the scheme is nearing completion and will feature 32 residential care and residential dementia care beds and six independent living apartments alongside an Armed Forces Support Hub.

Broughton House is currently welcoming new residents in line with its expansion – veterans who have served for any period of time in the armed forces, as well as their partners.

In July, Salford Council successfully progressed its 2020 Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award to Gold for its outstanding commitment to supporting defence services within its organisation and the wider armed forces community across the city.

Photo Credit – Salford City Council