We recently awarded the Company of Makers, based in the heart of Old Portsmouth, a grant of £8,000 towards practical ‘making’ workshops for Military personnel.
Company of Makers design and make products inspired by the British Military’s influence on pop culture. They produce commissions that are created from military uniforms, allowing veterans and their families to feel close to their Army life. In addition to their commissions, they also produce a wide range of products that take inspiration from veterans and their service lives.
Our grant, and the funds raised from their products, directly contribute towards workshops for veterans who are struggling to transition from service into civilian life. The making workshops teach new skills, build confidence, and assist those entering the world of work. Past participants have gone on to find work, start a new business or commence further training.
Rachel Owen, Co-Founder of Company of Makers, states: “We are absolutely delighted to have received this funding from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and are looking forward to working with them. Most importantly, the funding will make a big difference to our participants, who will get to learn everything from cutting edge 3D printing, to woodworking and sewing. We are all grateful for this support.”
Brigadier (Ret’d) Robin Bacon, Chief of Staff, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity adds: “The Company of Makers provide vital support to our veterans who require a confidence boost which helps them shift into civilian life. By providing workshops which teach new skills from woodwork to 3D printing, the Company of Makers have provided a platform to enable veterans to find jobs outside of the Army with their newly learnt skills. Thank you for all of your hard work!”
