A group that supports veterans, their partners and children across Gwent has a new home in Newport.
Newport Veterans Hub meet every Thursday from 3pm to 8pm at Newport Stadium. Opening times at the moment are 3pm to 6pm. It’s open to all veterans and their families.
They were based at Rodney Parade and want to let current and future members know about their new venue.
A grant from the National Lottery Community Fund means members can take part in activity sessions in the indoor court at the nearby Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales from 5pm to 6pm.
The volunteers refer veterans to a wide range of support from food parcels to getting back into work. They started in November 2019 and help get veterans out of isolation and into their own support network.
David Watkins, CEO of Newport Veterans Hub, and the Lord Lieutenant of Gwent, Brigadier Robert Aitken CBE, gave short speeches to celebrate the opening to a crowd of guests sat in the stand.
‘Guaranteed interview schemes’
In an interview last year he said: “We treat the veteran and their family as a single unit. It’s not veteran only. That can often be a barrier to accessing support. We have veterans who are single parents with children. Some of them feel more comfortable with their partner or carer with them and opening up full access takeaway those simple barriers.
“By supporting the families you’re supporting the veteran indirectly. If the wife is suffering from mental health, you’re helping the veteran and the children in the family home. We ‘ve seen it work. A lot of sick veterans have come a long way in the last 12 months. They are feeling great about themselves.”
The volunteers refer veterans to a wide range of support from food parcels to getting back into work.
He added: “We help with guaranteed interview schemes. Some companies want veterans for their skillset and their mindset. Their skills can be taught to other people in that workplace. Businesses are recognising that now. Veterans go above and beyond what they’re paid to do.”
Join Newport Veterans Hub
If you or someone you know would benefit from joining Newport Veterans Hub email [email protected] or visit newportveteranshub.org.uk
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