Princes Get Their Hands Dirty for War Veterans
Princes William and Harry have been on site in Newton Heath helping a DIY SOS project to build a Veteran's Village.
A project to revamp a number of homes in Manchester for former army servicemen and woman has been given a Royal helping hand.
Princes William and Harry went along to the project in Newton Heath which is being run by the BBC Programme DIY SOS Big Build, in conjuction with Manchester City Council and the Charity Walking with the Wounded. They met some of the volunteers who are working on the scheme that aims to transform a derelict street in Newton Heath, containing 62 homes, into a war veteran village, where ex-Service personnel can be assimilated back into everyday life and where they can get the physical and emotional help they need.
The first phase will landscape the streets to provide disabled access, parking and give a facelift to all 62 properties on the street. Three larger homes will be created to house veterans and their families, as well as one standard size property and a walk-in support centre. 17 empty homes will also be refurbished by charity Haig Housing, which specialises in housing ex-Service people, with the aim to create a veteran’s housing community. Charity Walking with the Wounded will provide therapy and counselling at the support centre, with training and employment opportunities also on offer.