Carlisle United Community Sports Trust are pleased to announce that they have achieved the Ministry of Defence Silver Award under the Employer Recognition Scheme.
The award comes thanks to the CST's work with veterans in our local community, from hosting regular breakfasts to excursions and fitness sessions.
Forty-seven organisations from across the North West of England have been awarded Silver under the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for their support to Defence and the wider Armed Forces community.
The Employer Recognition Scheme was launched to reward employers who support Defence People's objectives and encourage others to do the same.
After initially receiving the Bronze Award in 2018, the CST have significantly upscaled their work with the veteran community to achieve Silver this year.
Key improvements to the CST's work with veterans have been forming an official group while continuously growing the number of attendees, providing a Christmas meal out for the first time, and numerous trips away.
Regional Employer Engagement Director, Gary Oakford said: ""It has been a pleasure to support Carlisle United Community Sports Trust in achieving this award.
"The level of commitment shown to Defence People through its veterans programs is to be commended."
Community Director of Governance, Safeguarding and EDI, Teresa Mulholland added: "We are very proud of the sessions, helping to prevent social isolation.
"It allows the veterans to come together and have a purpose, providing those sessions where they get exercise and mental health support.
"The Silver Award allows us to showcase the support that we give to veterans and allows us to look at what we can do further in the community."
Community Sports Trust CEO, James Tose then said: "We are delighted to receive this award.
"The work the staff have done for veterans in our community has been fantastic, and for them to get the recognition for their great work is fully deserved."