Veterans to benefit from new hub in Plymouth

Armed Forces charities in the Plymouth area have worked together to launch a series of new veterans’ hubs, which opens its doors for the first time on Thursday 10 November at Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre (3-7pm).

The hub will be at the centre in Glen Road (PL7 2XS) on the second Thursday of the month, at Ernest English House in Buckwell Street (PL1 2DA) on the third Wednesday of the month from 16 November (9am-7pm) and at Four Greens Community Trust, Whitleigh Green (PL5 4DD) on the last Wednesday of the month, starting on 30 November (4-8pm).

The move has been driven by the local community team from Help for Heroes, in tandem with the Armed Forces Community Social Prescriber for Plymouth Becky Ormrod, Improving Lives Plymouth, Op Courage (the veterans’ mental health service from the NHS), Veterans UK, Royal British Legion, Team Endeavour Wheelchair Rugby Club, and Armed Forces champions from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Help for Heroes’ Case Manager, Paul Mouncher, explained: “We have all come together to drive a better veterans’ community connection in the Plymouth area.

“Often, veterans aren’t sure where they can go to speak to someone who will understand, or who knows what’s available for them and where. And, crucially, where they can find help and support.

“The hub is there to bridge that gap for them: a one-stop shop with all the charities and organisations together in one place, so veterans can come for a chat and a cuppa and enquire about the available support in welfare, clinical, mental health, and sporting activities.”

Multiple charities and organisations will be present at each hub to show veterans and their families what support is available in the City and most importantly that they are not alone.

Help for Heroes champions the Armed Forces community and helps them live well after service. The charity helps them, and their families, to recover and get on with their lives. It has already supported more than 27,000 people and won’t stop until every veteran gets the support they deserve.

For further details on attending or supporting the Plymouth veterans’ hub, please contact Paul Mouncher, Help for Heroes’ Case Manager on 07807 298684 or paul.mouncher@helpforheroes.org.uk.