The idea
Worthing and West Sussex has a large number of Armed Forces Veterans living in the area, some happily getting on with life and others in need of a great deal of help.
Meeting on the 1st Tuesday of each month from 11 until 1 we will be offering a monthly location for Veterans of the British Armed Forces and it's Reserves, their families and Carers. The Drop In will be a welcoming and relaxed place providing social support and access to a range of welfare services as well as advocacy on a wide range of issues relating to Veterans and their families.
We will also provide a Veterans Carers Support Group, offering support and advice to those people who give up much of their time to care for their loved ones and friends, including carers workshops, respite advice and free transport to get them into the Drop In if they have mobility issues.
What we'll deliver
- Help, Support and Advocacy for social issues
- Carers Support Group & Workshops
- Friendly and knowledgeable environment in which to seek help
- Transport for the elderly and infirm to/from the Drop In
Why it's a great idea
The military are a strange breed, having signed up to serve our country for anything from 2 years National Service to a full 22 year career soldiers, sailors and airmen are told everything they need to know when they need to know it and are encouraged not to ask questions. This mentality stays with them after they are discharged, so we are now faced with a huge population of ageing veterans who are in need of help and advice but do not know where to go to ask for it.
The Veterans Drop In Centre will provide a friendly location where government agencies and charities such as the NHS, CAB, RBL, SSAFA, Help for Heroes and many many more will be in attendance once a month to offer exactly the sort of help, advice and advocacy that they need.
It will not only support the Veteran but also their families and their carers. Statistics show that almost 12% of the population are carers but this number rises to 25% with ex military. We also intend to run Carers Support Groups & Workshops.
Steps to get it done
- Setting up a monthly Drop In Centre.
- Fully supported by local government
- Carer based workshops
- Respite
