Veteran Calm Cafes move to larger venue
Telford & Wrekin Council’s Calm Cafes for Veterans will continue next week at a new venue due to demand for the free support events.
The sessions have been launched to support ex-service personnel with their mental wellbeing.
Led by Telford Mind, the sessions offer a space for veterans to socialise with like-minded people, as well as offering mental health and wellbeing support for those who may require it.
The next Calm Cafe takes place on Monday 24 January from 2pm to 4pm at Dawley House (22 Burton Street, Dawley, TF4 2ES) which has full wheelchair access and free car parking. The sessions will take place on the second and fourth Monday of every month.
Throughout the sessions trained staff, at Telford Mind, will sign post to Service and non-Service charities who will be able to offer additional advice and support to those who attend.
Stuart, an army veteran from Telford said “In 2013 I got diagnosed with PTSD. I went through all of the treatment you could think of including a 6 week programme, EMDR and CBT. When I heard about these cafes I thought they were a fantastic idea. At the time I’d have loved to have attended to have a cup of tea with someone who isn’t a therapist, to tell them about my nightmares and to share experiences with no fear of judgement.”
Councillor Chris Turley, Chair of Telford and Wrekin’s Armed Forces Covenant commented: “With over 10,000 veterans living in Telford and Wrekin it is our priority to ensure that they have all of the support and information that they need. The Armed Forces Covenant recognises the value that veterans contribute to our businesses and our country and through initiatives like the Calm Cafes we will ensure our ex-service personnel have access to all of the support they need.”
This project is funded as a part of the Armed Forces Covenant which has awarded £6,250 to the council under their Strengthening Delivery programme.
Dawley Town Council, who are also members of the borough’s Armed Forces Covenant, have provided the venue for the sessions to take place as a part of their pledge to support those who serve or who have served in the armed forces.
Visit www.telford.gov.uk/armedforces to see what other support is available for the council.
