A NORTH East organisation that supports ex-service men and women and their families is set to extend its offer, after being supported by a local architect and engineering firm.

Veterans in Crisis Sunderland (VICS), a community interest company (CIC) that provides support, training and counselling to former military personnel, has been assisted by Building Design Northern (BDN), who have provided their time and expertise at no cost to develop detailed plans for an extension to VICS’s premises.

The plans, which were granted planning permission in January 2023, will allow the CIC to make better use of their existing building, creating additional capacity for dedicated community engagement, discussion and socialising. The extension will also deliver a wheelchair accessible entrance from Roker Avenue, as well as a multi-functional meeting space and kitchen, fully accessible toilet and an enlarged office area for VICS staff.

BDN – which has bases in Sunderland and Ulverston – has gifted its time, which would normally amount to several thousands of pounds, to support VICS through developing plans for alterations to its building.

BDN’s Filip Young, associate and architect at the growing business, said, “We’re really pleased to have been able to offer our assistance to VICS, which is an organisation that does so much for the city’s veterans, who themselves have served the country.

“The alterations we designed will ensure that people can easily navigate the CIC’s building, and that the premises are absolutely fit for purpose, providing excellent facilities to the people who access VICS’s support.”

The architectural plans were given the green light by Sunderland City Council last month. VICS are looking to get to work immediately, with a view to having the extension complete in 2023.

The council decision report commented, “It is a large, attractive building which is of some prominence in the local area. The proposed extension is, however, considered of a design and scale that would be appropriate in relation to the existing building.

“It will appear as a modern, subservient addition to the property which will not detract from, or compete with, its existing character and appearance and will not appear as intrusive at this prominent site.”

Ger Fowler, chief executive officer at VICS, said, “We’re delighted to have had the support of BDN in developing designs and securing planning permission for our extension. The alterations will transform our ability to support Sunderland’s veterans.

“As an organisation, the support and generosity of people and organisations is key in enabling us to deliver much-needed help to ex-service men and women, so we’re very grateful to BDN for their goodwill in helping us at no cost.”

To find out more about VICS, visit www.veteransincrisis.co.uk and to learn more about BDN, visit www.bdnltd.com.