On 24 September, Cabinet was updated on the increased provision being provided to the veteran community in Ceredigion. They were updated on two activities which were the Regional Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer (RAFCLO) post and the Veterans’ Hub funding project.
Jane Watt was appointed in January 2019 as the RAFCLO. Since then, Jane, who is a veteran herself, has been extremely busy, energising the Ceredigion Armed Forces Covenant Partnership and establishing regional and local networks and links with key stakeholders.
Councillor Paul Hinge is the Armed Forces Champion for Ceredigion County Council. He said: “Jane has also been project-managing the Veterans’ Hub project in Ceredigion which is based at the Penparcau Community Centre, Aberystwyth. It is open every Monday for veterans and their families to meet others, seek advice, be signposted to specialist services, to relax and take part in activities. I would also like to especially thank the trustees of the Penparcau Forum for working with us in partnership to host and develop the service.”
Colin Jones MBE was appointed in June 2019 as Hub mentor. As well as raising awareness of the new service within the local community and further afield, Colin is arranging activities at the Hub, which has included holding breakfast clubs and celebrating Armed Forces Day.
Ellen ap Gwynn, Leader of Ceredigion County Council said: “In June 2018, Cabinet decided to enter into a partnership agreement with Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire County Councils in order to access available Ministry of Defence funding to increase provision to the veteran community in Ceredigion. It’s extremely pleasing to hear of the positive developments in increasing provision and opportunities in Ceredigion for our valued veterans. We all must do our best to recognise and remember the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces community.”
Cabinet confirmed that a formal opening of the Veterans Hub will take place on 28 November by Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hannah Blythyn AM.
Information on the Veterans’ Hub can be found on their Facebook page: Veterans Hub Penparcau.
24/09/2019