Fylde coast forces veterans and families to get new support group

The new fortnightly meeting in Cleveleys follows on from social groups set up in Garstang and Knott End which regularly attract up to 50 people.

The idea is to offer a place for those serving in the forces, their families and veterans to get together, to chat and to share advice and support.

The group in Cleveleys will meet at the Tramway Pub on Victoria Road West every second Saturday of the month from 9.30am to noon with the first meeting being on September 12.

Wyre councillor Andrea Kay has helped organise the groups which she says are needed to help reduce social isolation and support the community.

She said: "It's a big enough room, so people can sit socially distanced Its to get people who might be socially isolated to come out into a safe environment with like-minded people. There will be waiter service, so they can have a breakfast together or a coffee.

"Sadly we have some veterans who are having some mental health issues and this can also make sure we can point them in the right direction for help and support they need. Some are quite insular people and will only talk with their own so this will be a real help.

"They have served their country so I don't want to see them on their own. These clubs are a social environment for them to talk to each other run by veterans and councillors.

"Garstang and Knott End have been very successful with up to 50 people, veterans, their families such as grandchildren and people who are currently in the forces or their families.

"They were doing so well right up until lock down when they had to pause. But they have kept in touch and looked after each other during the lockdown. People have been getting shopping and prescriptions, making sure people are OK.

"If there is further lockdown there is a network of support. We want all veterans, male and female and forces families to come along and join us for brunch.

"Garstang's meeting is held at the Th'Owd Tithebarn on the first Saturday of every month but at the moment it is on hold because there are a lot of older people who are shielding. The Preesall and Knott End one is at the community building near the sports centre. We also have a 'men's shed' at North Drive Park for people to socialise. It used to be the bowling green.

"They meet every Monday from 9.30am and they do wood craft, a brew and a potter around. The ladies' knitting club goes in on a Wednesday until the library reopens."