New service to help Armed Forces veterans on the Fylde coast

Age UK Lancashire is offering help through a new initiative, Removing Barriers, for veterans, their families and carers which has been funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Trust for the next two years.

For people who have served in any of the Armed Forces, life after they have left can be difficult for various reasons and the restrictions caused by the Coronavirus pandemic have added to those challenges.

But Removing Barriers can help in a seven key areas - health, social, financial, education, employment, parenting and intimate relationships for up to three months.

The project has been set up to help ensure that the Armed Forces Covenant, a pledge to look after those who serve their country, can be practically honoured.

Over the years many members of the Armed Services have struggled either to deal with civilian life once they leave the services or with mental trauma or injuries from their time in the service.

Removing Barriers offers support for those aged 50 upwards, not just those in the traditional retirement age bracket.

Claire Chantrell from Age UK Lancashire says: “This new service builds on the previous work that Age UK Lancashire has undertaken with veterans.

"However, this service can now support veterans’ families and carers in Blackpool as well as Fylde and Wyre."

The service at present, still allows home visits, complying with COVID guidelines and appropriate PPE.

During the visits, an assessment is done to see the areas that can either be discussed, or recommendations made.

The charity also has links with many services, organisations, groups, charities and individuals who are also there to support.

Claire Chantrell added: “It's an aindividual service because every case is different.

"For instance during COVID we equipped a veteran and his wife with a tablet, gave them help in setting up a video calling system, this has allowed them to talk to friends and

family during lockdown face to face.

"Seeing the look on the wife’s face as she made contact with her friend in Australia was pure gold. It was great to know that the Removing Barriers service had been

able to make a difference to their lives.

"All of us have barriers in our lives that we need help finding support, solutions or a positive outcome to.”

You can get in touch with Age UK Lancashire by calling 0300 303 1234 and asking about the veteran services or visit the website

website www.ageuklancs.org.uk and see whether Age UK Lancashire can help.