A new Hub facility supporting armed forces veterans based in Monmouthshire has been set up in Abergavenny.

Monmouthshire Veterans’ Support Hub was launched in March 2022, with the aim of delivering high quality, person-centred support to veterans from the military and ex-military community. The Hub aims to empower veterans, and those in transition, from military to civilian life, integrating into local communities.

The Monmouthshire Veterans’ Hub will host an array of essential agencies and armed forces charities including SSAFA Gwent, Veterans NHS Wales, Royal British Legion and several others.

The new hub officially opened on Monday March 7 and is located within Abergavenny Library inside the Town Hall. Open every Monday between 10am -12pm, the hub aims to raise awareness of the services that are available to local veterans, and where they can access support with housing issues and benefits.

The hub has been designed to help veterans in reinforcing self-reliance, confidence, esteem and self-empowerment after leaving the services and improve the long-term health and well-being of the ex-services community, as well as providing a space for veterans to relax and meet other veterans, and to offer them opportunities to engage with the local community and undertake activities.

Additionally, access to training on issues such as stress management, panic and anxiety, managing difficult thoughts and mindfulness is available to the armed forces community.

Hub
The Hub is based in Abergavenny (Pic from Monmouthshire County Council)

Lisa Rawlings, Regional Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer, said: “As the Regional Armed Forces Officer for the 5 local authorities of Gwent, and a veteran myself, it is important to widen the access to services and information for the armed forces community. Having opened a successful hub in Caerphilly in June 2021, I wanted to strive for a Hub in each local authority on different days of the week. Therefore, a veteran on any given day in Gwent could access support.”

One of the charities involved in the Monmouthshire Veterans’ Hub is SSAFA Gwent.

The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association is the leading national charity committed to helping and supporting those who serve in our Armed Forces, those who used to serve, and the families of both.

The Armed Forces charity has been providing practical, emotional, and financial support to our Forces and their families since 1885, and provide a reliable, caring and trusted service to more than 50,000 people every year.

Their team of volunteers and employees help those currently serving, veterans, and their families to retain their independence and dignity.

Nicholas Beswick, a SSAFA Gwent Caseworker said, “SSAFA Gwent is proud to be working alongside the other agencies, supporting our Armed Forces community all within this new hub. Having it located here works because it’s so well known, our beneficiaries can pop in during, or before they shop and discuss what’s on their mind; we can then take details and arrange further appointments from there. I’m sure this will be a huge success.”