New support group for young veterans in Bridlington
It's called 'MASH the next generation'
A new support group is being launched in Bridlington for young armed forces personnel and their families.
It's called 'MASH the next generation' and is for those who have served, are serving, have children or still in employment.
A regular meet up is being organised for the first Sunday of every month as the town's current Military Assistance Social Hub gathers on a weekday.
Bridlington veteran Martin Barmby is involved in the creation. He said:
"When you think of a veteran everybody automatically thinks of people in blazers, medals and berets whereas in actual fact, there are younger veterans who have only done maybe five, 10, 15 years and they've left because they have families or whatever. It's just to let them know that there is help and support out there.
"It's easy for the older veterans to rock up on a Tuesday because they're retired so it's just something we thought of 'well hang on a minute, we're missing a massive group of people here by putting it on a workday afternoon. Let's move to a weekend and see what we can do' so it's just all about getting that sort of community life back that we used to have in the military.
"If all the younger veterans come out of the woodwork, yes there would be a lot. Don't forget we've also got families of serving personnel in Bridlington and it'll give them somebody to speak to whilst their partners are deployed, so it gives them the chance to chat to people who understand the hardships of being separated especially at this time of year.
"Just turn up and give it a go. It's not only for veterans and their families, but for serving personnel as well if their partners are deployed. Get down there and see what it's all about. It might be your thing, it might not be."
There is a launch event tonight at Bridlington Town Football Club from 6pm for people to find out more.