Whether or not you agree with the wars being fought around the world at the moment, it cannot be disputed that many young men and women from Heanor, Ripley and the surrounding areas have been, and continue to be, immensely brave in selflessly serving their country in difficult and unforgiving environments a long way from home, family and friends. 

Did you know, though, that when they return home, some of them struggle to cope with civilian life and find it hard to integrate back into the society they have been fighting to protect.  Some, with the support of family and friends, manage to get on their feet over time and forge a new life for themselves, but others need more help.  This help is often provided by charities and volunteer organisations, through projects and initiatives which rely on support and donations from the public.

Thebestof Heanor and Ripley is proud to support and promote one of these such projects: the Heanor Veterans' Hostel Project and Cafe Heroes. 
This worthy project is being run by the Gamelea Countryside Training Trust and is refurbishing two local Heanor properties for use by homeless returning ex-servicemen as a base whilst they undertake training and therapy from the Trust. 

The project will be launched at a public consultation event being held at The Old Fire Station on Wilmot Street, Heanor Market Place on 1st June between 2pm and 7pm.  This event is an opportunity for local people of Heanor and Ripley to come along, find out more about the project, ask questions and hopefully show their support and get involved. 

The project needs donations, whether that be in terms of money or unwanted household items to be used directly in the hostels, or maybe even by donating time and services such as plumbing, decorating, joinery or any other practical help in the refurbishment. 

Councillor Kevin Parkinson, Derbyshire County and Amber Valley Borough Council member says ''I know we all get behind our Armed Services, and there is much pride for the sacrifices they all make for us so we can live our own lives, but for some leaving the services, especially after active tours of duty, that pride is often lost or forgotten. This project is addressing that imbalance.

I hope local people and businesses will come to this public launch in Heanor on 1 June and get behind this worthy project and I would encourage as many people as possible to come and learn about this work and get involved."

More information can be found in the events section of this site, or by contacting either Cllr Parkinson on 07775 711466 or Elizabeth Hill from Gamelea Countryside Training Trust on 01246 568206.

Thebestof Heanor and Ripley will be supporting Armed Forces Day on Saturday 25th June 2011 - look out for more events and information appearing on the site between now and then.