Community / Veterans ‘pop-up hub’ to be launched this weekend
AN EVENT is taking place at the Lerwick Legion this weekend aimed at creating a social space for veterans – while giving them the opportunity to speak to local services too.
The ‘veterans pop-up hub’ is taking place between 11am and 2pm at the venue on Saturday (29 June).
Any member of the veterans community can pop in for a brew and a bite to eat, while they will also be able to speak with a network of local services which offer support, practical help and informative resources.
This may include, but is not limited to, signposting for physical and mental health services.
NHS Shetland’s health improvement team is supporting the event.
For NHS Shetland chief executive Brian Chittick the opportunity for veterans to come together in a supportive environment is something he feels personally connected to, having served for over 20 years in the Royal Navy.
“As NHS Shetland’s armed forces’ champion, it is great to be working with the Royal British Legion, Lerwick Branch, to establish a veterans’ hub in Shetland to help support our veteran community in a better way,” he said.
Individuals from Shetland Islands Council’s sporting memories team and the Living Well Hub will also attend.
Rita Rendall from the Living Well Hub said: “The role of the Living Well Hub is to have a conversation where people can talk about ‘what matters to them’ and get the right support to live life to the fullest.
“Hub workers can help people get in touch with community groups, voluntary groups, and services. The Living Well Hub is a ‘one-stop shop’ for information, advice and arranging support.”
It is hoped that the veterans pop-up hub will become a recurring event, and organisers are already looking at potential future dates in September and November.
Anyone looking for more information should is asked to email secretarylerwicklegion@gmail.com.
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