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A group helping veterans beat social isolation and loneliness has celebrated its first anniversary.
The Caerphilly Veterans Support Hub was set up last summer by Lisa Rawlings and Kelly Farr, both of whom served in the Royal Air Force.
Only four veterans attended its first meeting last June, but the number attending meetings now has increased more than tenfold.
Lisa said: “Kelly and I are both veterans ourselves – I served for 25 years, and Kelly for 17 years – so the hub is a real personal passion project for both of us. Since we started last June, it’s gone from strength to strength, and we now regularly see 40-60 veterans each week.
“Veterans can often face a number of challenges during their transition into civilian life, and – while there is quite a lot of help available – some people don’t access services due to pride or feeling like they should be able to cope alone.
“The hub gives veterans an opportunity to mix with people in the same boat as them, and also helps them access other services all in one place.”
Now, thanks to a £1,500 donation from Tesco’s Community Grants Scheme, the hub will continue to be free for veterans, with the cost of tea, coffee and food at the meetings also covered.
What is the Tesco Community Grant Scheme?
Tesco Community Grants, the in-store scheme where customers vote with blue tokens for community projects and groups, has been helping community groups and charities across Wales and the wider UK since 2016.
To find out more about Tesco Community Grants go to tescocommunitygrants.org.uk.
Lisa said: “We’re really grateful for this grant, as it means we can make sure anyone who needs us can come along and join in, regardless of their personal circumstances.”
The group meets every Saturday morning at the Centre for Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach, with families of veterans also attending.
The group aims to recreate the sense of belonging many veterans felt while serving in the forces, while a variety of organisations often attend to share advice, support and assistance with issues such as benefits, housing, debt management and mental health.
The group has been visited by organisations such as Cornerstone Support, Citizen’s Advice, the Royal British Legion and more.
Claire de Silva, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “We want to reward fantastic groups who make such a difference to young people and families in their local communities, and are pleased to be able to support the tireless work of projects like Caerphilly Veterans Support Hub.”
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