A ‘one-stop-shop’ for veterans who need help is coming to Spalding
In the county there is more than 56,000 people who have served in the military - that's 5% of the population.
A new one-stop-shop for veterans and their families that’s specifically aimed at the Armed Forces community across Lincolnshire is coming to Spalding.
An open day will take place on Wednesday, April 26, at South Holland Centre in the Market Place. It's hoped veterans from across the county will come to get information.
It's due to be open from 10am to 2pm, and more than 20 organisations will be offering a range of support from physical, mental and financial troubles.
The event is organised by the Spalding-based Veterans Support Service CIC, which was founded by David Poultney who served 38 years in the RAF, and Simon Hallam who was in the Army for 12 years.
David said it's all about the midset:
“Part of the military mindset is problem solving and action, people hate being passed from pillar to post as it creates a build-up of frustration, so we want to bring this event to them”.
“As veterans ourselves, we have walked in their shoes. We aren’t going to take over someone’s life, but we can them help themselves by helping them take back control. The aim of the open day is to have a one-stop-shop for anyone who has served in the military, and their families, to come along, enjoy a brew and see what services are available both locally and nationally.”
Across Lincolnshire, more than 56,000 people have served in the military – that's five per cent of the population, and 530,000 people in the county have a military connection – nearly 60 per cent of the population.
Having a military connection can either mean someone has served themselves, or they have close family or a friend who’s served.
Simon added that he hopes people will come for multiple reasons:
"Anybody is welcome, there might be veterans coming through the door just to be back in a military style environment, a cup of tea, and a laugh and a joke. All the way through the spectrum to somebody that really is desperate for a little bit of support and help, and hopefully they'll get it.
"I know that more recent military type events, like the end of the Afghanistan campaign, and what's currently going on, in the Ukraine has had a huge impact, because it brings back a lot of memories for the veterans community.
"So it could be mental health that brings someone in, or it could just be somebody feeling a little bit lost, no longer in the military, not feeling part of the civilian population, and it could just be that."
He added that lots of different organisations will be there:
"It's not just all veterans organizations. There's a lot of statutory bodies there. The Department of Work and Pensions, the local council are sending somebody, and the basic idea of the day is for the veterans community, anybody that would like some information, can get it.
"To make their life a little bit easier, to make sure that they're getting the right benefits, for example, they can speak to the right people all in one go, they don't have to trudge through all the information that's out there, instead, it's all in one room."
Other organisations invited to attend the event include Help for Heroes, RAFBF, SSAFA, Op Courage (NHS), Department for Work and Pensions, Veterans UK, Blind Vets UK, Project Nova, Healthwatch, Connect to Support, Carers First, and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Paul Starr who lives in Lincolnshire, served in the Army for 16 years but struggled with his mental health when he left due to the trauma he endured as a child.
"I reached the point where I just didn’t care about myself and whether I lived or not,” he said.
“It’s drummed into soldiers that they do not cry for help, they bury their heads in the sand instead, on my worst days I couldn’t even get out of bed but then I spoke to Cat Spencer at Help for Heroes and she put me in touch with the Veterans Support Service CIC, which has turned my life around.
“I feel better now, I’ve lost two stone in weight as before I was over-eating and not exercising. The only person who could get me out of the dark hole I was in was me, but you have to want to be helped and I knew I’d reached that point. Since then, I’ve used my experiences to help others at the Veterans’ Support Service CIC, becoming a volunteer makes me feel better about myself and has given me back my self-worth.”
He added:
“I meet and greet veterans and I offer a sympathetic ear – the aim is to get them out of the house and in the right frame of mind. I can give a little bit back now, if I can connect with people and help them, that makes me happy.”
Cat Spencer, the Case Manager at Help for Heroes, added:
“Paul’s recovery journey truly demonstrates what can be achieved once that first hurdle is passed. Paul’s journey has not been easy but with determination, focus and the odd steer in the right direction Paul has come out the other side a changed man. The last time I saw Paul, I barely recognised him. The difference in Paul since we first started speaking is truly remarkable, he radiates a new sense of confidence and positive energy. To see Paul now working as a volunteer for the Veterans Support Service CIC, sharing his lived experience and helping others, is outstanding. Paul is a testament to all his hard work and I feel privileged to have supported him in his recovery journey.”
Free tickets for the open day are available on Eventbrite
For more information visit www.vsscic.org.uk