The Nuclear Community Charity Fund
Beginnings
On 2nd July 2014, the UK Prime Minister stated:
"I am happy to tell the House that the Government recognise and is extremely grateful
to all the service personnel who participated in the nuclear testing programme."
David Cameron
The announcement also detailed meetings with NTV representatives held between the Chancellor, Prime Minister, MOD representatives, and representatives from the Nuclear Community: Nigel Heaps MBE and Jeff Liddiatt MBE, Hon. FBUL.
As a result of these meetings, it was announced that the Chancellor would create an 'Aged Veterans Fund' using monies raised by the Libor fines.
The British Nuclear Test Veterans Association (BNTVA) was invited to bid for a portion of the AVF monies. Following two successful bids, raising £6 million, they created the Nuclear Community Charity Fund to progress the activities under the bids.
The NCCF a Charitable Incorporated Organisation
In 2017, when the BNTVA became a CIO, the NCCF was separated from the BNTVA and formed into an independent Charitable Incorporated Organisation undertaking the following projects:
- Funding a research program into the genetic heritage of nuclear veterans and their families at Brunel University London
- Funding the first three years of development of a Centre for the Health Effects for Radiological and Chemical Agents (CHRC) which:
- acts as a national knowledge hub for scientific, health & wellbeing and, policy-related work
- delivers a program of multi-discipline research
- makes information accessible and provides evidence-based education and training
- enhances care and wellbeing through increased understanding
- co-ordinates activities with partners at the international level
- Delivering a Care Wellbeing and Inclusion Fund
- we directly addressed the reduction of suffering and increase of wellbeing in the British Nuclear Community by providing goods and services to address those issues not provided by the State
The NCCF Today
Today, the NCCF continues to support and work with the CHRC at Brunel University London, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to research and education in the nuclear community. The Care Wellbeing and Inclusion Fund has become a cornerstone activity supporting many needy members of our nuclear survivor community. The CWI Fund has also been elevated with a specialised outreach pilot programme, Community Care Check, funded by the Office for Veterans Affairs.
The NCCF's commitment to the nuclear community has been unwavering as dramatic events involving other organisations unfolded during 2013/14. The BNTVA CIO trustees, recognising the NCCF's dedication, asked them to become the custodians of their community responsibilities. This request is a testament to the NCCF's integral role in the nuclear community and its unwavering commitment to serving its members.
The NCCF has achieved significant milestones, taking over the responsibility for community activities relating to Remembrance, Reunion and Communication.
Under the banner of BNTVA Connect, They manage the National Atomic Veterans Awareness Day at the National Memorial Arboretum and organise the Annual Nuclear Community Convention. Exposure magazine now features a BNTVA editorial section, and the BNTVA Museum CIC also publishes an editorial section, preserving the unique heritage of our beneficiary community.
These achievements are a testament to the NCCF's progress and inspire pride in our community.