Updated on
A new drop-in session for veterans living in the Cardiff area is launching on 29 May. Chris Hoad, Community Builder for the Cardiff area, is bringing a regular ‘Heroes Café’ to Cardiff Central Library, as part of a programme to reach out to even more veterans across the region.
Chris said: “We know the city and surrounding area has one of the highest populations of veterans in the country. Over the years we’ve helped hundreds of people who have got in touch with us for support.”
The cafés give veterans an easy way to connect with others in the local area. People can just drop in and have a chat and a brew with others who share their life experiences. Chris also wants veterans to help develop the café sessions so they can become a safe space where ideas can be bounced around and positive action can begin.
He added: “We have many cafés across the UK that connect veterans in this way. The range of skills, experience and knowledge our veterans have to offer is having a positive impact on the whole community, and we know Cardiff will be no different. It’s a gentle way for veterans to dip their toes back into the water and to feel like they are part of a community again.”
The Heroes Café will take place every month, straight after the Veterans Health Clinic, which is also held in Cardiff Central Library.
Help for Heroes offers practical support for anyone who has served in any branch of the UK military – regulars or reserves – irrespective of length or place of service, and, also, locally embedded civilians who worked under the command of UK Armed Forces. Latest figures show there are 115,000 veterans living in Wales, and more than 10,400 in the Cardiff area.
My message to veterans in the area is to come along and try it out."
Community Builder
Chris added: “We know that more than a third of former service men and women feel unprepared for civilian life and those who are disabled or discharged on medical grounds are more affected by this**.
“My message to veterans in the area is to come along and try it out – meet some new people who understand you and connect with local opportunities. And, if you are struggling, find out how Help for Heroes can support you.”
The first Help for Heroes café will be held on 29 May, 11am – 1pm in The Hayes meeting room on the 4th Floor at Cardiff Central Library. The café is supported by About TuRn Wales, the Veterans’ Advice Co-ordinator at the Central Library Hub, the Armed Forces Liaison Officer for Cardiff & Vale of Glamorgan, and SSAFFA Wales. To find out about future dates use the link below.