Around 90 veterans were in Machen Legion over the weekend for the official launch of Caerphilly Veterans Support Hub’s new base.
The veterans hub has run out of the Centre for Sporting Excellence for the past three years, having been set up by Lisa Rawlings and Kelly Farr – both of whom served in the Royal Air Force.
With around 80 to 100 members attending the hub each Saturday, the group were without a base after having to leave Ystrad Mynach, but have since found a new home in Machen.
Speaking to Caerphilly Observer at the launch day on Saturday March 22, Kelly said: “We’re very thankful the legion stepped-up to support us. It’s been a real community effort.
“This service is crucial, for some members this might be their only hot meal of the week.”
Kelly explained how she and the other organisers get to the hub early, making breakfast butties and preparing cakes for the veterans, who are inside well before the official 10am start.
She continued: “Everything’s free thanks to Lisa, who is always on the hunt for grant funding. It’s more than just a social for some of these guys.
“We’ve had people in to help with finances and have managed to claw-back more than £100,000 for veterans.
“We arrange trips and days out, as well as pointing people, and sometimes even taking them, to the services they need.”
Lisa added how this new venue in Machen has lots of space, meaning veterans can go off for more private one-on-one chats if they feel like it.
“Our next goal down here is to raise some money for a disabled toilet so it’s fully accessible to all who come”, she said.
Labour MP for Caerphilly, Chris Evans, was also at the launch. He said: “I think it’s absolutely fantastic to see our veterans getting together and supported in this way.
“They give so much to us through their service. It’s like nothing else, asking someone to lay down their lives for our country.
“It’s important they have the space to get together, share their stories, problems, and hopefully enjoy themselves as a group.”
Caerphilly Veterans Support Hub meets each Saturday between 10am and 2pm in Machen Legion.
Support quality, independent local news Help fund public-interest journalism in Caerphilly County Borough from just £1 a month and enjoy an advert-free website experience. Become a member today →