Those behind the ‘lifechanging’ service are celebrating a major birthday following a challenging year.
The Veterans Hub on Portland Road, Weymouth has just turned six-years-old despite fears just months ago that the service would shut down for good.
Celebrations will see staff, volunteers and visitors enjoy a 1940s theme party with live music from Billy the Tambourine Man, all topped off with a big barbecue.
Speaking about the project that it is today, hub founder and director Andy Price said: “I would never have imagined it as being any more than what it was when it first started out which was a place for the lads to come and grab a coffee and have a chat.
“It’s not just for veterans, it’s for the whole community.”
Rachel Gray – Manager and Company Secretary added: “I think that the fact it has grown so many shows how much it is needed.”
Rachel joined the team back in 2021, saying: “I just liked the whole ethos and idea of it and why it existed.”
Hub regular Ian Munro discovered the service thanks to a happy accident.
He explained that his wife went down to buy some craft supplies from Bits & Bobs which was at the premises before the Veterans Hub, however it wasn’t there.
Ian said: “Andy invited her in for a cup of tea and through that I decided to see what it was all about.”
He has been visiting the hub ever since, adding: “I have got some good friends here.
“I’m accepted here, we have a good laugh and it’s nice if you can help someone and take away a little bit of their stress.
“Everybody knows everybody, and we try to sort each other’s problems out.
“Without this place, there’s a lot of guys that would not be here.”
Dean Score is a veteran who has previously been treated for PTSD after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
He has now received a diploma in therapeutic counselling, helping others in a similar situation.
Unlike Ian, Dean was visiting the hub alongside his wife Jenny Score for the very first time.
Dean said: “I’m a veteran myself and have been in touch with Andy for a couple of months. I have heard a lot of good things about this place – so I though I would come and see what it’s like
“The stuff they have down here is absolutely amazing. I would find myself out in that garden for hours. It takes everything out of my head, and I can just focus. It’s a relief.
“There’s something out there that can take your mind off of what you’re going through.
“It is so important to veterans and other members of the community.”
Jenny added: “I was immediately introduced to everyone, and I don’t feel at all like I shouldn’t be here. I would definitely feel comfortable to come back, even on my own.
“As soon as we came in, everyone had big smiles on their faces, asking if they could help us. It’s not what we expected.”
The pair are already making plans to visit again.
Another veteran who preferred only to be referred to as Bob expressed how much the Veterans Hub has changed his life.
He said: “I have been coming here since it opened and have found it to be a safe and relaxing place.
“It’s a safe environment that you can just come and talk. There is no judgement, and it has all the services you need.
“It’s good to know that there are like minded people in the same situation – It gives you a sense of confidence.
“I have had mental health issues on and off for a few years. I have got PTSD. I have support here.”
However, the team are still fundraising and hosting charity events to make sure that they stay afloat.
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