Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is continuing to support its Armed Forces Community by launching a new Veterans Support Hub.
In conjunction with Woody’s Lodge, the council has announced extra support for the Armed Forces veterans and community. The new Woody’s Lodge Veterans Support Hub will be open at the Bowls Pavilion at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd, every Saturday, from 10am until noon.
All members of our Armed Forces community are welcome to attend every Saturday.
Councillor Maureen Webber, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Deputy Leader and Armed Forces Champion, said: “We are delighted to welcome Woody’s Lodge to our County Borough to help in support our Armed Forces community, which we value so much.
“Our own Armed Forces Veteran Support Service is on hand 52 weeks a year offering support and guidance tour veterans and their families, with increased numbers attending our weekly group gatherings across Rhondda Cynon Taf.
“It is so important that we keep these unique veterans’ communities together as they share so many experiences and as a result of their military service, have made friends for life.
“Woody’s Lodge also does tremendous work in supporting the Armed Forces community, which is why it is a huge honour to have the charity working side-by-side with us.”
In 2012, Royal Marine and member of the Elite Special Boat Service, Paul ‘Woody’ Woodland lost his life in a training exercise, before he was due to return for a second tour of duty in Afghanistan.
Woody, born and raised in Penarth, had always wanted to be a Royal Marine, and once he had completed his Armed Forces career, his dream had been to build a log cabin where he would be able to live peacefully with his family.
Woody’s Lodge, which was established following his passing, is a social hub, which guides veterans to the help and support they need to re-engage with their families and communities.
The vision of Woody’s Lodge is to create an inviting meeting space for those who have served within the Armed Forces and Emergency Services, where they can receive expert support and advice as well as the chance to connect with new and old friends and family.
Woody’s dream of owning a log cabin after his service became the inspiration for Woody’s Lodge. This became a reality after two years of planning, with the support of the Royal Navy in Wales and Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations.
Woody’s Lodge and our Council’s Armed Forces Veterans Service are on hand offering help and support to those who need it the most. It is the first point of contact for many veterans and their families.
Veteran groups meet weekly in Rhondda, Rhydyfelin and Mountain Ash, supported by the Council’s Armed Forces Veteran Service. The new Veterans Support Hub held in Pontypridd on Saturday mornings is aimed at those unable to attend the daytime group meetings due to family or work commitments or travel restrictions.
The groups are able to provide a wide range of assistance on subjects such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Housing, Adult Social Care, Benefits, Finances, Employment and so much more.
For further details or FREE, confidential and impartial advice and support, contact the Council’s Armed Forces Veterans Service. Call 07747 485 619 or by Email.
