OUR PROJECTS OVER THE YEARS

We have changed so many lives thanks to our sponsors who have given us the ability to deliver these great projects. We now consider them part of our DNA.

Doing the Little Things Project, Garden to Plate

The VC Gallery is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest initiative, the "Garden to Plate" project, made possible through generous funding from the Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services (PAVS) under their Doing the Small Things program. This innovative project aims to promote active citizenship, foster community engagement, and encourage healthy living by connecting people with the great outdoors and teaching them valuable gardening and cooking skills.
Participants of the Garden to Plate project will enjoy a series of workshops and activities designed to teach them essential gardening skills, utilising the VC Gallery allotment at St Ishmaels and the garden at Pembroke Dock. This hands-on approach not only provides practical gardening skills but also fosters a deeper appreciation for nature and sustainable living.
The core principle of the project is the concept of "garden to plate." Participants will not only grow their own food but also learn how to transform these fresh ingredients into delicious, healthy meals. Cooking workshops will teach practical culinary skills, emphasising the use of local, home grown produce and the benefits of a balanced diet. Additionally, sessions on pickling and preserving will ensure that participants can enjoy their garden’s bounty throughout the year.
The initiative also promotes the physical and mental health benefits of spending time outdoors. Gardening is a fantastic way to stay active, reduce stress, and enjoy the beauty of nature. Participants will experience the joy of working in the garden, watching their plants grow, and harvesting the fruits of their labour.
This hands-on approach to learning and wellbeing is central to the VC Gallery’s mission of fostering creativity and community engagement. At the heart of the Garden to Plate project is the goal of fostering active citizenship and strengthening community ties. By bringing people together to work on a common goal the project encourages collaboration, mutual support, and a sense of belonging. Participants will develop new skills and build relationships within their community.
Barry John MBE, CEO of the VC Gallery, expressed his enthusiasm for the project:
“We are incredibly excited to launch ' Garden to Plate’. This initiative embodies our commitment to community engagement and active citizenship. By bringing people together to learn new skills and enjoy the great outdoors, we are not only promoting healthy living but also strengthening the bonds within our community. We look forward to seeing more people at our Dig site and increasing the positive impact this project will have in Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock hubs”.
Get Involved
The VC Gallery invites everyone to participate in this enriching initiative. Whether you are an experienced gardener or a novice looking to learn, there is a place for you at The VC Gallery and join us in cultivating a healthier, more connected community through the joys of gardening and cooking.

VC LD Creatives Presents

Fantasy World Art Project

Continental Breakfast

Local charity The VC Gallery, is delighted to have been awarded these funds via the Living Well and Welcoming Community Spaces Fund to support its work within the community. The group, based in Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock will use the money to run weekly breakfast clubs from its Haverfordwest branch.

Learning Disabilities Art Project

‘VC LD Creatives’ is a project developed with The VC Gallery and The Anchorage SAC, which took place over September - November 2022.
The project explored the West Wales LD charter, the experiences and perspectives of artists with learning disabilities facilitating workshops for people with more profound learning disabilities and support staff.
Over thirteen weeks The VC Gallery delivered a series of mixed media art workshops with fourteen LD participants and four Anchorage staff members. All participants were based in and around Pembroke Dock with the majority accessing the services of The Anchorage weekly. Access was not limited to Anchorage customers and saw a further three participants from the community take part. The workshops took place in the ‘project’ room at the Pembroke Dock site.
The aim of the project was to engage with LD clients using the innovative approach of LD facilitators. To improve the skills of artists, support staff and participants whilst keeping the aims of the West Wales LD Charter as the main perspective.

Learning Disabilities Art Project

This VC Gallery project was inspired by the LD Charter https://www.ldcharter.com/ and gives everyone with a learning disability a chance to join in and try many different art techniques.

Sessions run from the 6th of September’22 for 12 weeks at The VC Gallery Pembroke Dock, 9:30 am until 3:30pm.

NAAFI BREAK AND BEYOND

Thanks to funding from The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, Tackling Loneliness programme the VC Gallery will operate Naafi breaks every weekday morning in Pembroke Dock for general chat and company with other veterans, refreshments, and help to access digital platforms, with a focus on older veterans living in the local area. The project is being run by Royal Navy veteran Kevin Stanley over the next two years, please get in touch with him via email at kevin@thevcgallery.com or by calling 01646 685688.

Part of the project will be to identify more male and female veterans within Pembrokeshire by taking our mobile museum to various sports venues, village halls, etc to meet ex-Forces personnel wherever they might live. The VC Military peer mentors can also visit residential homes or homes of veterans with mobility issues to help with engagement.

Volunteer Coordinator funded by The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust; Chris Paling

Chris an RN veteran himself explained how essential the volunteers are at the VC and how hard they work - from those who give their time at the Dig 4 Victory gardening project... to the befrienders and mentors who attend one or both of the VC centres in Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock, not to mention those who have been busy delivering medication and food during lockdown and those who give their time as Trustee all the year round; the chairty simply would not function without them.

"The level of commitment is amazing" said Chris. "There are so many people willing to offer their skills that I have been quite blown away since I started here three weeks ago. If I had not found myself in the fortunate position of having a job here, I would certainly be one of them"

Ann Russell, who first came to The VC for support following a serious illness, has been its volunteer artist in residence for over three years.

She says that working at The VC has given her so much more than she had ever expected. "I have worked closely with artists like Nina Camplin and others on various art projects, both in outreach and residential situations. More recently I have been involved with more online workshops and was facilitator for the carers online group during the lockdown. This is a great place to volunteer. You really feel part of a caring team." She was also at pains to mention the volunteers who run the art retail shop in Bridge Street, Haverfordwest where the artists donate their commission back to the charity.

The VC Gallery clearly wants its volunteers to know just how valued they are. "We are planning certificates to honour our volunteers and to show how important this work is for the community." said Chris. "We are also planning a barbecue at the Dig 4 Victory site, overlooking St Brides Bay on 6th June where everyone, volunteers and members, can get together and celebrate."

If you would like to volunteer for The VC Gallery then please get in touch with Chris via email... chris@thevcgallery.com

DIG 4 VICTORY

This is a new exciting project which has been funded by the Armed Forces Covenant. We are aiming to encourage ex military personnel along with members of the community to get involved in our Gardening project. Whether planting seeds, building bird boxes and benches, designing a flower garden or just coming along to take in the views looking out to sea at St. Ishmael's. All are welcome

INTO THE DEEP BLUE - PROJECT HAS NOW CLOSED

A VC Gallery project funded by The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust Positive Pathways Programme. Delivering multiple, adventurous activities based around the beautiful waterways and coast of Pembrokeshire on a weekly basis, for the benefit of veteran's mental health and wellbeing. 

Be a part of our DNA

If you would like to join or find out more information on our workshops, then please just contact us.