A MILITARY charity has been given £1,000 to help provide respite breaks.

The Invicta Foundation, based in Colchester, was given the money by CALA Homes as part of the housebuilder’s new bursary scheme.

The charity provides guidance, counselling and support for service personnel and their families - it was started in 2010 by Cheryl Hall and Stephen Robertson after their son was severely injured during active service in Afghanistan.

Part of the charity’s offering is a caravan in Clacton, which is used to provide relaxation breaks. The donation from CALA Homes has been used to help cover the ground rent and maintenance of the caravan.

The CALA Community Bursary was launched earlier this year and invited local charities, organisations and groups to apply for help to fund projects. The Invicta Foundation was chosen as one of the recipients.

Duncan Jackson, regional managing director for CALA Homes North Home Counties, said the work The Invicta Foundation does is invaluable.

Cheryl Hall, co-founder of The Invicta Foundation, said: “We are thrilled to have received this funding as part of CALA’s Community Bursary and the money will go a long way towards supporting the work we do.

“Respite breaks provide relaxation and a much needed break to those who are going through times of hardship as a result of military service. When going through stressful periods, it is amazing how much a little break or some family time can help restore balance.

"It’s only through donations like this we can continue to provide the support and level of care needed to improve the welfare of veterans and military families who have been affected by active service.”

Visit www.theinvictafoundation.org.uk.