Serving Stories

Trafford secures funding for exciting 'Serving Stories' project

Trafford Council, through the Armed Forces Partnership and working with IWM North (part of Imperial War Museums) has secured a grant of over £51,000 from the Armed Forces Community Covenant for an inspirational 'Serving Stories' project.

'Serving Stories' will enable ex-forces personnel to share their stories through three interlinked project activities: an engagement programme targeting schools and youth groups; a short film resource and public engagement events.

Placing veterans and ex-forces personnel at the heart of the programme and participating in a range of activities, they will be able to foster inter-generational and inter-cultural understanding across Trafford's service and non-service communities.

Veterans and youth groups will have the chance to take a trip to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire there will be high profile stakeholder and participant engagement events at IWM North and the project is linked throughout to the planned commemorations of the First World War Centenary.

Executive Councillor and chairman of the Armed Forces Community Covenant Jonathan Coupe said being able to work with veterans and those who have served provides an amazing opportunity to help people better understand the role of our Armed Forces across the region. He also recognised the added impact this will have, with the whole country focussing on the First World War Centenary commemorations.

"To have this opportunity is something we are extremely excited about. It is especially important and pleasing that we are working alongside our colleagues at IWM North.

We want to make sure as many veterans as possible are involved, working with us through the Armed Forces Partnership to recount their experiences and accounts to children, young people, families and communities. Through a wide variety of media and events, individual stories will be told. We hope that encouraging discussions and bringing these topics to life will encourage people to support the armed forces in their area.

This is not just about history, although obviously that forms an important part of it. With troops still serving in many areas across the world and in many different ways, it is important people understand the contribution made by the Armed Forces to all our lives."

Graham Boxer, Director at IWM North said "Personal stories are an important part of the work we do to share the cause, course and consequence of war. Our own First World War Centenary exhibition has just launched, telling the story of the contribution of the North West, so it is fitting that this project enables us to work with local ex-service personnel to enable them to share their own experiences of current conflict."

An event marking the launch of the project took place on Armed Forces Day in June. This will included opportunities to recruit volunteers and raise awareness.

There are still opportunities to get involved. Anyone wanting to find out more about this exciting project or get involved should contact James McSharry. Learning Resources Manager at IWM North - jmcsharry@iwm.org.uk.