Support hub for military veterans opens
BBCA new hub offering support to military veterans and their families has opened in Scarborough.
Hosted by Age UK and sponsored by the Veterans' Foundation, the facility will provide drop-in information sessions, training services and social activities.
Army veteran and Age UK volunteer Paul Ratcliffe said there was "a gap in the market" for a centre to bring the armed forces community together and offer a comprehensive range of services.
"When you come out the service, it's a strange world out here - it's a whole big shock and that's what we're hoping to help with," he said.
"I served for 22 years and after that you're used to everything being done for you.
"Then, when you come out it's 'where do I get a doctor, where do I get a dentist, what do I do about housing?'.
"We're hoping to give a helping hand to understand what it's like out here."
He said that often ex-personnel favoured talking to others with a military background, as part of a shared experience.
"A chance to get together in a group to talk over old times really helps so that's what we're trying to get up and running," he added.
Dr Lori Boul, armed forces community and veterans hub lead, said North Yorkshire especially could benefit from a "physical presence and a one-stop shop" in the region.
"It's important because the armed forces community has served us, so we should serve them," she said.
"There's a lot of personnel, ex-personnel and families in the area. Whether they need help or not, pop in and come and see us for a coffee or a chat."
The hub was officially opened by Scarborough mayor Thomas Murray, to coincide with Scarborough's Armed Forces Week.
"Getting the message out that there's a place that veterans from all over the armed forces can come and get information to help and support themselves is a great asset to have in this county," he said.
"I think there's never enough support for veterans, there's a massive gap I think, because services and charities are so stretched."
The Armed Forces Community & Veterans Hub on Royal Avenue, Scarborough, is open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10:00 and 16:00.
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