Official opening of Veterans one-stop shop

Veterans centre celebrates first birthday

A centre which supports armed forces veterans and their families in civilian life celebrates its first anniversary this week.

The centre, in Breck Road, Anfield, was officially opened last March by the Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson.

It is staffed by trained buddies all of whom are either ex-military personal or related to veterans.  They provide expert advice and information on several issues affecting former servicemen and women including housing, health, and employment and since opening have advised more than 300 veterans.

The opening of the new facility followed the signing by the city of Liverpool of a community covenant which commits it to working closely with the military in support of serving personnel, ex-service and their families.

On Thursday 20 March an open day will be held to celebrate its first anniversary. The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Gary Millar will start proceedings at 11.30am and representatives from the armed forces will be present to look at the achievements of the centre and how it will develop in the future. The local community are also invited to attend the day.

Councillor Hayley Todd, the city’s armed forces champion, said; “In Liverpool we recognise the debt we owe our servicemen and women and that many of them need support when they leave the armed forces.

Pictured: The opening ceremony for the centre.

“The Veterans Centre shows that we have taken our commitments under the community covenant extremely seriously and have converted it into something really practical.

“It has helped veterans with their housing and employment needs and, in some cases, referred them for health support including mental health issues. But veterans have also taken the opportunity just to call in for a chat and a cuppa

“Liverpool is very much a trailblazer in this field and we will be celebrating what has been achieved but also looking ahead to how the centre can provide even greater support.”

Liverpool Waterfront