Community support event for Tameside's veterans

MENTAL health support, a wartime memorabilia box, and socialising are all part of a new community support event for veterans in Tameside.

Tameside Council is inviting former members of the armed forces to attend a community support and networking event at Clarendon Shopping Centre in Hyde.

Taking place on Tuesday 29 September from 10.30am to 1.30pm, the event will give veterans the opportunity to access a range of support services, speak with partner organisations and enjoy music and military memorabilia, all in one place.

Highlights of the day and support include:

• Mentell - which supports men with their mental health
• SSAFA - which provides practical, financial and emotional support to serving personnel, veterans and their families
• Memorabilia from Tameside Archives, including a number of memory boxes
• Advice and support from Tameside Council services: Citizens Advice, Helping Hands and Welfare Rights, who help residents access the support available to them
• Information from Tameside Council's Community Safety Team
• A performance of some songs from ‘Merry Men’s Crew’, a men’s ensemble – some who are veterans themselves
• Help the Heros
• Tameside Councils Valour programme
• Greater Manchester Police – with some veterans within the force
• Citizens Advise Bureau
• Groundwork – discussing employment, skills and volunteering opportunities

Tameside Council Executive Member Cllr Hugh Roderick who represents Armed Forces, said: "I'm really looking forward to welcoming veterans to this event. It's an opportunity to come together, enjoy some music and conversation, and reflect on memories from military life with others who share those experiences. It's also a chance to find out more about the support and services available locally. We'd like to see as many veterans as possible there, so please do spread the word to anyone who may be interested.”