Local charity, The VC Gallery has been celebrating after being awarded £9,000 in National Lottery funding to boost its work supporting veterans and the wider community. The Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock based charity has had to adapt its delivery of art-based services due to the Covid-19 restrictions.

The VC Gallery has been running since 2014 and is staffed by many volunteers and military peer mentors. It was founded by Barry John MBE, after he left a long career in the Army with a vision of using his experience to connect his community through art. A primary focus is placed on helping ex-forces personnel and residents of Pembrokeshire - supporting them with mental health issues and combating social isolation.

The group normally runs a full itinerary of craft, photography, art sessions, and breakfast clubs every week, which are attended by up to 50 people a day. The sessions provide friendship, the opportunity to learn new skills, and the use of the charity’s support services. The sessions are open to all, regardless of mental health issues, as one of The VC’s key aims is to reduce the stigma around mental health conditions by offering a safe non-judgmental space.

The new funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes, and is the largest community funder in the UK, will see an offering of small Zoom sessions with artist Nina Camplin and creative writer James C. Silbers, as well as Facebook live events.

The VC also remains committed to connecting with those who are not online, and will be working with local networks including, PAVS, who can identify anyone in need of physical art boxes, and artistic mentoring over the telephone. This interaction will help them to build relationships with others experiencing the same challenges and hopefully enable them to develop their confidence.

Barry John, of The VC Gallery, said: “We’re delighted that the National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way. Now, thanks to National Lottery players we will be able to launch our Virtual Community of online sessions and help those who may be digitally excluded, supporting their artistic practice and keeping them connected to us via the telephone. ‘’

Tracy, volunteer, added: “I love coming to The VC workshops and have really missed it, I can’t wait to join in with the sessions.”