A LEICESTERSHIRE well-being centre is set to open a hub designed to support the mental health of veterans across the county, after securing £60,000 of funding.
The funding, which has been secured from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, will be used to set up a veteran wellbeing hub at The Loughborough Wellbeing Centre. The centre, at Asha House in Woodgate, also has satellite hubs in Oakham and Lutterworth.
The project will run for two years will provide a safe space for veterans across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, to come and receive advice and information, as well as a range of structured activities.
The Wellbeing Centre recently demonstrated its commitment to the Armed Forces by signing the Armed Forces Covenant and committing to supporting military personnel past and present.
Helen Carter, chief executive of Loughborough Wellbeing Centre and veteran, said: “We are delighted to receive this funding which means we can now have a dedicated hub once a week in Loughborough and monthly in Oakham and Lutterworth supporting our veterans.
“The money will be used to provide a specialist hub leader and sessional workers who will deliver activities, support and signposting to veterans”
The Veterans Wellbeing Hub has been developed after a recent survey across the region identified a need for a dedicated hub.
Nicky Morgan, The Chair of the Trustees for Loughborough Wellbeing Centre said: “This is fantastic news for veterans. We know many veterans experience poor mental health after leaving the service and miss having the opportunity to meet and talk with other veterans.
“We feel the hub will complement the local Breakfast Clubs as it is aimed at veterans who need more support, advice, and signposting. We also plan to have partners from the military charity sector and other local agencies attend the hubs to provide veterans with specialist advice and information”.
The Loughborough Veterans Hub is due to open on March 25 with a launch event.
The centre is keen to hear from any veterans who would like to join its working group and help set up the hub, as well as anyone who has an interest and understanding of veterans needs and would like to volunteer at the hub for a few hours a week.
Interested parties can contact: helencarter@loughboroughwellbeing.com
