'Our new drop-in centre helps veterans one brew at a time'
BBCA new drop-in centre has opened for military veterans who need help with social isolation, advice on claiming benefits or "anything really that's bothering them".
Vet's Shed is "under the umbrella" of Men's Shed, which supports any men with their mental health in Fleetwood, Lancashire.
Volunteer Paul Unsworth said the centre on Copse Road supports, and is run by, ex-military men as "a space for veterans to congregate and meet up, but also a space where people can just take time out, get advice or job search".
"Our motto is 'fixing things one brew at a time' and that's what the whole ethos is about. Whatever the problem is, have a brew, sit down and let's talk about it," he said.
"Men's Shed is everything men-related, we are a bit more focussed on the armed forces, veterans, merchant navy as we have a lot of that community here in Fleetwood," Paul said.
"They can come down and talk to someone who will just signpost them to the right advice, or at least just feel that they aren't the only person in that boat, they can talk to many people.
"But it's also about mutual support once you step through that door."
'Triggers'
Volunteer Gary Smith explained about his own experience of getting help: "When I originally started acknowledging my problems... medication wasn't helping," he said, adding he experienced "triggers" but "felt safe" among other veterans at the Kings Own Old Comrades' Club in Fleetwood.
"If I was having a lapse, my mates were looking after me in there, they didn't have to say anything," he said, and explained it was more about "having people around who who understood".
"I realised I'd been fortunate, but some people aren't."
He said "a lot of military have a problem" admitting they have mental health issues.
"I'd always been a solid rock but then it crumbled and I thought I had nobody at all and it broke me," he said.
"Thankfully, guys like Paul and the Old Comrades were there to rally round me.
"I was fortunate, but I know there's lots of people that aren't," he explained.
Of the new Vet's Shed, he said, "the minute they walk through that door and get the ambiance of what this place is about, I know it will do well".
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