In September 2023, Viking Arms, in partnership with SmartShooter, made a generous donation of £18,000 to support e50K Communities, a female-led social enterprise dedicated to improving the lives of Defence families. This funding has directly contributed to providing employment opportunities for Defence spouses, helping to break down the barriers that military families often face when seeking work.
Why This Matters According to the 2024 FAMCAS survey, 41% of Army families feel negative about their household income due to employment challenges, with 59% of spouses reporting difficulties finding suitable jobs. For many, being part of a Defence family negatively impacts their career progression. Viking Arms and SmartShooter have committed to helping alleviate this issue by funding employment for two Defence spouses at the Bramble Woods project in Catterick.
The Impact on the Community The donation has provided 967 hours of paid employment at above living wage levels for Amy Manuel, an Army spouse and Royal Navy Veteran, and Molly Tate, an Army spouse. In addition, both team members have been enrolled in a pension scheme with combined employer contributions of £540. These roles have allowed the Defence spouses to not only support their families but also play an integral role in their local community.
Beyond employment, e50K’s efforts in Catterick have supported wider community initiatives. Over the course of eight months, e50K has organised 26 hours of community events, provided over 200 hours of job training, and contributed over £25,000 to the Bramble Woods site through grants, donations, and event income.
Amy’s Testimonial Amy Manuel, one of the beneficiaries of this initiative, shared her gratitude:
“After leaving the Royal Navy to care for my disabled child, I feared I’d never work again. Thanks to e50K, I found not just a job, but regained my confidence and sense of purpose. The support from Viking has been instrumental in helping me return to work and progress our community project at Bramble Woods. This donation has made a real difference to my life and to the local community.”
Environmental and Educational Contributions Beyond employment, this partnership has helped influence the community to engage in environmental protection initiatives such as tree planting and the development of local allotments. The combination of education, job training, and hands-on projects has provided a sense of purpose and belonging for the Defence community, fostering both mental and physical well-being.
Looking Ahead Viking Arms is proud to support the e50K initiative and contribute to the well-being of Defence families. By funding this project, Viking Arms is helping to address some of the critical challenges faced by military spouses while promoting community engagement and sustainability. This is only the beginning, and Viking Arms looks forward to further supporting Defence families in the future.
This partnership highlights the commitment Viking Arms has to social value, community well-being, and supporting the families that sacrifice so much for their country.
