Veterans’ Cafes coming to Donnington
A new monthly Veterans’ Café opens in Donnington next week, offering armed forces veterans a warm welcome, space to socialise with like-minded people, and support from local services.
Being run in partnership with Telford MIND and Donnington and Muxton Parish Council, the Donnington Veterans’ Café launches next Wednesday, 7 February at Turreff Hall in Donnington, open between 4pm and 6pm. From then on they will be held on the first Wednesday of each month.
In addition, the following week, on Wednesday 14 February, a one-off Veterans’ Café will be held at the Army Reserve Centre in Dawley, between 2pm and 4pm. Open to all armed forces veterans, there’ll be an opportunity to view various pieces of military equipment, as well as socialise with soldiers and veterans.
Councillor Raj Mehta, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Armed Forces Covenant, said: “Through the Armed Forces Covenant, Telford & Wrekin Council has made a strong commitment to support our local serving armed forces personnel, veterans and their families.
“Following the success of our popular Veterans’ Cafes, held twice a month in Dawley and Madeley in partnership with Telford Mind and the local town and parish councils, we’re now adding a third location, and have consulted with local veterans to make sure it’s held at a convenient time for them.
“The new monthly sessions start next Wednesday 7 February between 4pm and 6pm at Turreff Hall in Donnington, and will then be held there on the first Wednesday of every month. This means, alongside Veterans’ Cafes in Madeley and Dawley, sessions are held three times a month around the borough.
“The special one-off Veterans’ Café being held at Dawley Army Reserve Centre on Wednesday 14 February, also provides an opportunity for veterans to get hands-on with military equipment, meet with serving soldiers and socialise with other veterans.”
At all of the Veterans’ Cafes, trained staff from Telford MIND will be on hand alongside Service and non-Service charities, to offer additional advice and support where needed to those who attend.
Telford & Wrekin Council offer a range of support and signposting services for Armed Forces personnel and their families living locally including housing, financial support and access to leisure discounts.
Visit www.telford.gov.uk/armedforces to see what other support is available from the council.
