Around 75 local military veterans across Scarborough, Ryedale, and the surrounding areas are set to get a massive helping hand over the next 12 months, thanks to a £50,000 cash injection from the Yorkshire North & East Riding Freemasons.
The generous grant has been awarded to the charity Carers Plus Yorkshire to fund a brand new project to support unpaid veteran carers and those caring for ex-service members. The scheme will tackle everything from physical injuries and age-related conditions to mental health struggles like PTSD and substance misuse. Crucially, it aims to break down the stigma of asking for help, as many people with military backgrounds are understandably proud, resilient, and used to just “getting on with it” – which means they often don’t seek support until things hit crisis point.
The charity’s dedicated Veterans Adviser will offer free, tailored one-to-one advice, alongside a packed schedule of fully funded group activities and outings to help veterans escape isolation and meet peers who understand civilian life transitions. Local Freemason groups are also rolling up their sleeves to volunteer and build stronger, sustainable community networks for these families.
The project will be a lifeline for people like Andy Baddley, a local veteran who served in the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards with tours in Northern Ireland, Cyprus, and the Gulf War, who now cares for his wife. Shockingly, Andy is far from alone, as around 73% of local veterans currently hold a caring role for a loved one dealing with dementia, mental health issues, or long-term conditions.
Here is what Andy Baddley had to say about the new funding:
“This funding means a great deal to veterans like me. It opens opportunities to take part in activities and outings that simply wouldn’t be possible otherwise. The individual support that comes with it is just as important; it really does make a difference to people’s lives.”
Elizabeth McPherson, Chief Executive Officer at Carers Plus Yorkshire, said:
“We’re very grateful to Yorkshire Freemasons for their generous grant. This £50,000 funding plays a crucial role in allowing us to deliver essential support to veterans. It enables us to offer both one-to-one support and group activities, helping veterans improve their wellbeing and stay connected within their communities, following their service to our country.”
Martin Eggermont from Yorkshire Freemasons, added:
“I’m really pleased we’ve been able to support our local military veterans through this excellent project from Carers Plus Yorkshire. I’m very proud Freemasons are giving something back to those who have given so much to our country.”
