Forces Link Carlisle and Eden and Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life, along with local veterans, have come together to establish The Carlisle Veterans’ Hub. Due to have its initial meeting this Sunday at the museum, this has been put on hold due to the current situation.
The Hub was inspired by the success of the Workington Veterans’ Hub, who regularly see 30-60 veterans at their monthly meeting at the Reserve Centre, in Workington providing a welcome opportunity for ex-service personnel to come together.
The Carlisle Hub will provide an opportunity for serving Armed Forces, ex-serving personnel and their families to come together as a community for a chat and a brew; to find out about support and opportunities available in our local area. Veterans miss the camaraderie and being around like-minded people, and the Hub hopes to provide this through a monthly meeting. In the future the Hub would like to expand their services and provide regular activities and days out for everyone young and old plus their families.
Carlisle Hub are aware some veterans’ find the transition to civilian life difficult, and the Hub is keen to support them by having ‘peer support’ volunteers who will be on hand for a chat. The Hub and volunteers will be supported by ‘Forces Link’ Carlisle and Eden who work to raise awareness about services and opportunities available to the ex-service community.
Richie Hinson, Forces Link said: “The Hub will provide a great opportunity for our local serving and ex-serving Armed Forces community to meet and provide alternative ways for people to reach out for support if they need it. We have been working with local and national organisations such as Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life and The Royal British Legion to find out what support they can offer. In doing this we can identify need and work with the organisations and the ex-service community to help come up with solutions.”
The Carlisle Hub aims to have its first physical meeting once restrictions are lifted and it becomes safe for us to do so. Meanwhile, we are planning on having a virtual brew and a chat. If you would like to join us then drop us a message on our social media page by following ‘Carlisle Veterans’ Hub’ on Facebook or on Instagram or [email protected]
If any veteran needs support, please contact Richie on the Forces Link Facebook page, [email protected] or 07458050141 or visit the Veterans’ Gateway https://www.veteransgateway.org.uk/ or 0808 802 1212.
