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Veterans' hub faces its own battle for survival

Julie Cooper Julie Cooper who has blonde, curly hair, black glasses and is wearing a red, flowery scarf. She's sitting next to a man with white hair and a white moustache. He's wearing a blazer and green striped tie. Various plaques can be seen on the wall behind.Julie Cooper
Julie Cooper, pictured with a veteran who uses the hub, said she has a "passion" for helping the community

A hub credited with saving the lives of veterans is facing its own battle for survival after falling into disrepair.

Julie Cooper runs the Don War Memorial Museum and Community Hub in Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees, which is a safe space for members of the armed forces and wider community.

One veteran also praised the 60-year-old for the help and support she offers to those who use the site, adding: "Without a doubt, she's saved people's lives".

Ms Cooper, said the premises in Cranworth Street has problems with its roof, drains and a cellar that floods, but she would "never pack in now", regardless of the repair list.

The building, which has a bar downstairs called The Last Post and museum upstairs, has thousands of bits of donated memorabilia - ranging from World War One medals to false legs.

Ms Cooper said she signed a 30-year self-repair lease on the site, with a five-year get-out clause, giving her the option to leave in 2025.

"I need to decide what's going to happen," she said.

'We don't turn anyone away'

Veteran Mike Scott, who has PTSD, said it was the only building he could sit in with his "back to the door", so he did not feel "a threat".

The 64-year-old joined the armed forces when he was 16.

Afterwards, he worked in the prison service but was medically retired in 2018.

"I was suicidal," he said.

Julie Cooper The inside of The Last Post which has flags covering the ceiling and memorabilia can be seen on the wall in the background. Julie Cooper
The bar and museum are covered in memorabilia donated by the veterans

He credits the hub for saving his life after Ms Cooper noticed him sitting in the corner of the bar and made him promise to come in each week.

Now, Mr Scott acts as curator for the museum and is called down to the hub whenever there is anyone in distress.

"Her place is very special to anyone. We don't turn anyone away," he said.

Julie Cooper Julie Cooper placing red poppies on the ceiling. She's got blonde curly hair and is holding a glue gun.Julie Cooper
Julie Cooper has created a hub for veterans and members of the community

Ms Cooper said she was determined to keep the museum altogether, but said it needed a "permanent home".

"The veterans spend the rest of their lives with us. Once they come here, that's it," she said.

"I’ve sat and cried with them, I’ve listened to their stories.

"I've got so much respect for them. It's just given me such a driving passion."

Ms Cooper said the hub's motto was "you're only a stranger until you come through the front door, and then you're family".

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