A CAMPUS for veterans in Wilton has set out its vision to boost the delivery of training, employment and social enterprise opportunities.

The Entrain Space welcomed Salisbury MP John Glen and then councillor candidate for Wilton, Pauline Church, who visited for a walk around the Wilton veterans’ campus with founder, Matthew Bell last week.

Matthew discussed the future vision for The Entrain Space.

The Entrain Space development has 44 homes for ex-Service personnel and families who need some support with their transition to civilian life, as well as offices for the full-time support staff and an onsite training suite.

The café next door was also conceived as an integral part of the welfare delivery for Entrain residents in addition to serving the local community.

The plan is to launch a series of veterans-led social enterprises, of which running the café will be an important one.

Currently, however, the café is awaiting a fully functional fit-out to become properly operational.

Matthew said: “Social enterprise is a crucial part of our welfare delivery model at Entrain Space.

“It gives veterans the opportunity to gain confidence, and obtain real-world experience, training and qualifications. There is also the opportunity for extra income for the project and for residents from these businesses. The café especially is also a fantastic resource for combatting social isolation and connecting with the community. And of course, for providing great quality coffee and cake.”

Another social enterprise planned for launch as soon as funding allows is the grounds maintenance for the Wilton Hill and Erskine Park estates built by Redrow Homes.

Other ideas are also currently in the pipeline.

John Glen MP said: “It is always encouraging to see the progress being made on Wilton Hill. The Entrain Space concept is a superb resource for veterans and the development of the café, training and support provision is a great tribute to the hard work of Matthew and has team. Salisbury is very fortunate to have such an inspirational resource for our valued veterans’ community.”

A planning application is due to be submitted for the enterprise hub, which will be built on the vacant plot next to the café and represents the final phase of the enterprise development at the Wilton site.

The enterprise hub will have extensive facilities to support local home workers and businesses, including resident veterans’ businesses, such as office and work-shop space to rent, superfast broadband and business-support services to help start-ups and established businesses grow. It will also be managed and run by a veterans-led social enterprise.

The application is due to be submitted by the end of the month.

For more information visit: entrainspace.co.uk

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