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Boost for March Veterans Hub from town's Buffaloes




A new group which offers support and advice to armed and uniformed personnel has been given a double boost by a local organisation.

The March Buffalo Lodge has presented the March Veterans Hub with a cheque and a computer.

The computer will help members to access services that may help them.

Cheque presentation with new laptop from The Locomotive Lodge March to March Armed Forces and Veterans Hub. Pictured handing cheque Rod MacGregor (Locomotive Lodge) to Jeff Walters (Veterans Hub) with supporters.
Cheque presentation with new laptop from The Locomotive Lodge March to March Armed Forces and Veterans Hub. Pictured handing cheque Rod MacGregor (Locomotive Lodge) to Jeff Walters (Veterans Hub) with supporters.

RAF veteran Jeff Walters, who served for nearly 25 years, launched the hub with the help of a dedicated band of volunteers in April with the express aim of offering anyone, who has served either in the armed forces or with uniformed services such as police and fire, support.

Based at Cassanos in March High Street the hub acts as a weekly drop-in centre on a Thursday morning where those who need it can access advice on a range of issues.

The group also has the support of the Armed Forces Covenant, and also has organisations such as SAFA involved. The hub can offer advice with all kinds of issues including mental health problems such as PTSD.

The March Armed Forces and Vetrans Hub.. (57987121)
The March Armed Forces and Vetrans Hub.. (57987121)

The hub is also available to help the families of those who have served. As well as offering help there are books and board games so people are welcome to just pop in for a chat and a cup of tea or coffee.

Jeff has previously said: "Often when you complete your service and return to civilian life you feel a little abandoned, that you no longer count as you are not doing anything useful - you've done your bit for the country and that's it. We hope the hub will help plug that gap and as I said it is for family members too."

He has been thrilled with the way the hub has been received so far and said they have already helped a number of people with a variety of issues including helping a Navy veteran get relocated to the Wirral to be closer to his family.

The March Armed Forces and Vetrans Hub.. (57987120)
The March Armed Forces and Vetrans Hub.. (57987120)

"It's been absolutely brilliant, we have had a lot of interest and it's nice to see people for a coffee and chat. We could do with a few more volunteers to help with running the hub and anyone interested should get in touch."

Mark Vallance of the Locomotive Lodge of the Buffaloes said: "This is what we do. We meet every Thursday at the BRAZA Club, we have a laugh and we raise money for good causes. We are in the process of making the Veterans Hub our charity for the year.

"We are always looking for new members and anyone who is interested in joining us is welcome to come along to the Braza at 8pm on a Thursday. We try to get to local events to raise our profile and to raise as much money as possible."

The March Armed Forces and Vetrans Hub.. (57987123)
The March Armed Forces and Vetrans Hub.. (57987123)
The March Armed Forces and Vetrans Hub.. (57987124)
The March Armed Forces and Vetrans Hub.. (57987124)

Anyone who wants to help sponsor the hub or to volunteer can contact Jeff on 07785787875.



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