Armed Forces Outreach resumes across local communities
Shropshire Council is taking its Armed Forces Outreach back into the community at venues around our area.
Working with the service charities and organisations, the Outreach exists to ensure that current and former military personnel and their families have access to the right support.
The service began in 2019 but was affected by the pandemic, and has been limited to virtual meetings. Now organisers are looking forward to restarting community meetings.
Sarah Kerr, Shropshire Council Armed Forces Outreach Support Co-ordinator, said:-
“The sessions across the county offer a space for veterans to socialise with like-minded people, as well as offering the opportunity to access mental health and wellbeing support for those who may require it.
“The virtual meetings have been a great success, but I am sure everyone will be glad to meet up and see some old faces as well as welcoming some new ones.”
Richard, an Army veteran, explained how the Outreach service has helped him and how he is looking forward to meeting up with others.
Armed Forces veteran Richard
He said:-
“Last year I found myself in hospital, my marriage had ended and I was staying with a friend in Bridgnorth. I wasn’t in a good place. A porter at hospital mentioned Outreach to me and asked if he could pass on my details, and I am so pleased.
“I have PTSD and suffered injury when I was serving, but since I have been coming here I have been able to access so much information.
“I have discovered information about my service pension, the benefits I am eligible for and I have now moved to a flat in Shrewsbury. I am getting help and support for my health issues and the Outreach group has given me a safe space: I am with like-minded people who understand that I am getting better, but there are still areas I am working on.”
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
Councillor Ian Nellins, Shropshire Council’s Armed Forces Covenant champion, added:-
“The Armed Forces Covenant recognises the value that veterans contribute to our businesses and our country. Through initiatives such as Outreach, we will ensure our ex-service personnel can meet up in a safe and comfortable environment, and we can help them access all of the support they may need.”
To find out more about the Outreach meetings see: https://shropshire.gov.uk/media/22252/outreach-dates-for-the-diary.pdf
To understand more about Shropshire Council’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant visit: https://shropshire.gov.uk/armed-forces-support/armed-forces-covenant/
Current list of events
Palmers Cafe, Claremont Street, Shrewsbury, SY1 1QG
10am-12.30pm
- Monday 21 February 2022
- Monday 7 March 2022
- Monday 21 March 2022
- Monday 4 April 2022
Bridgnorth Library, Listley Street, WV16 4AW
10am-2.30pm drop in
Monday 14 February 2022
Cleobury Mortimer Community Hub, DY14 8BN
1.30pm-3.30pm
Tuesday 15 February 2022
Virtual Outreach (ie online)
11am-1pm
- Wednesday 16 February 2022
- Wednesday 16 March 2022
Beechtree Community Centre, Whitchurch, SY13 1NT
10.30am-12.30pm
Wednesday 23 February 2022
More dates and venues are to be confirmed.
For more information please contact Sarah Kerr, Armed Forces Outreach Support Co-ordinator: email sarah.kerr@shropshire.gov.uk or call 07990 085656 / 01743 255931
