AN ARMED forces charity has teamed up with local support networks – including the UK’s largest bakery chain – to deliver food packages to those in need.

Veterans in Action, the charity based in Redenham Park which specialises in the social reintegration of socially excluded veterans, has been using expedition vehicles to deliver food packages throughout the area.

In the last four weeks, approximately 600 people across 200 local homes have had food packages delivered.

An emergency 24-hour phone line has also been set up so members of the public can also donate food and household items, these are then sorted into care packages and delivered daily to vulnerable people who are self-isolating.

Veterans in Action is also working with Greggs Distribution to collect loaves of bread, rolls, cakes and milk.

So far, thousands of these products have been distributed to nine care homes in Hampshire, NHS staff working at Andover War Memorial Hospital as well as local fire and police stations.

Billy Macleod, Chief Operations Officer at Veterans in Action, said: “Our workload is becoming bigger by the day and I want to thank our veterans who are making this possible, by driving the deliveries around. Seeing how communities come together in times of crisis really does make it worthwhile.

“We have worked incredibly hard over the years to get veterans involved in the projects we run and the last thing we want to see is them go back into isolation.

He added: “Getting involved in local community work not only stops them going back into isolation, it also gives them a confidence boost and a sense of worth.”

For veterans unable to get involved in deliveries, the 24-hour crisis phone line is being managed and there are plans to launch regular Zoom conference calls, involving up to 25 veterans at any one time, later this month.

To get involved or to find out more go to www.veteransinaction.org.uk