Drop-in for former Armed Forces
AMILITARY veteran is setting up a monthly drop-in session in Halton for fellow ex-servicemen and women to meet up.
Gavin Jones has organised the session which will be held on first Monday of every month.
It provides an opportunity to share similar experiences and come together in a relaxed social environment to chat and share stories.
The first session will take place on Monday, April 3, at the Select Security Stadium in Widnes between 11am and 1pm.
The drop-in will also offer frontline help where needed and direct access to support, advice and guidance.
Areas covered include employment, debt, benefits, welfare, mental health difficulties, housing, homelessness, drug and alcohol problems, as well as Welfare Poppy Breaks, health and wellbeing, peer support and advocacy, and anything else that veterans feel they may be struggling with or could benefit from.
It will work in partnership with the Armed Forces Community Support Hub which is based in Warrington.
The hub is a standalone charity built upon a unique working partnership between the organisations, SSAFA, Citizens Advice Bureau, The Royal British Legion, Defence Medical Welfare Service, Combat Stress, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust (Veterans In Mind), Help For Heroes, Cheshire police, CGL Pathways To Recovery, ● and local authorities.
The project has been backed by the Widnes Vikings and the Steppingstone Lounge at the stadium has been provided for free to support the cause.
Gavin said: “This is a fantastic and unique partnership pilot between the hub, Halton Borough Council, NHS Halton CCG and the Widnes Vikings.
“The drop-in aims to reach out further in to the community, providing a friendly and supportive environment, for veterans to come together, meet new people who have similar experiences, engage in some military banter, and also access support, advice and assistance.”
For more information email gavin.jones@armedforcessupporthub.org or call 01925 246 955 on weekdays between 9am and 5pm.