A NEWLY-formed forum has been created to ensure all aspects of the armed forces covenant obligations are recognised and actively supported throughout Test Valley.

The Civilian/Military Forum (CMF) has found that there have been significant improvements in veterans and families support, but one of the main challenges has been finding and reaching out to the many veterans, families and widows who live in the area.

The group is aiming get in contact with those who might benefit from the forum, the extra support it can assist with and the chance to engage with fellow veteran networks.

RBL members of the CMF have began an informal monthly "walk in", known as the Breakfast Banjo and Banter Club.

It is held on the first Saturday of every month, between 10am and 12pm, at the British Legion, in Osbourne Road, Andover.

After only three meetings the numbers have already increased to more than 30 and is still growing.

Cllr Nick Matthews, the Armed Forces Champion for Test Valley Borough Council said that “this is a fantastic achievement in such a short space of time”.

Cllr Matthews has thanked Duncan Powell, Robbie Gow and all the RBL team for facilitating the meetings.

“This has not only enabled us to identify some veterans who require a little extra support, but is bringing people with like-minded experiences to network in familiar surroundings,” he added.

The success of this gathering has now resulted in the introduction of mental health and wellbeing support for those who need it, and this expansion of service support begins next month.

Cllr Matthews continued: "Since our comprehensive review of the covenant, we have seen some fabulous initiatives, including our local health authority now actively seeking to register veteran friendly GP's, exercise classes at the leisure centres, community engagement programme, business transition, housing and of course this new informal breakfast club, to bring our veterans community together. Our mental health and wellbeing support is primed and ready, with all aspects of support from walk and talk, group sessions right up to 1-1 counselling. We have already received an MoD (Ministry of Defence) commendation for our efforts thus far, and so I'm thrilled at the efforts of such an amazing team."

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