Information, guidance and support was at the ready last week, making the first-ever East Hampshire Veterans Festival a huge success
The first ever East Hampshire Veterans Festival, a free drop-in event held last Friday 24 January at Petersfield Festival Hall, proved to be a huge success.
Aimed at serving and former members of the armed forces, and their families, the festival gave scores of people the opportunity to meet with service charities and other veterans for advice, assistance and support.
A range of stalls and presentations on various topics were on-hand throughout the day, making it the perfect place for former service men and women to drop in, take a look around, have a chat, and share their experiences with other veterans.
Arranged by EHDC, in partnership with Petersfield Royal British Legion and the Office of Damian Hinds MP, there were many local and national groups offering practical help, with experts on finances, job-hunting and mental wellbeing as well as welfare charities who help thousands every year.
Damian Hinds, MP for East Hampshire, said at the festival: "The festival was a fantastic opportunity for local veterans to access a wide range of support organisations, all in one place. It was also a great chance to engage with one another – with some veterans reconnecting after many years—adding to the festival’s special significance.”
Supporting our armed forces community is a priority for EHDC
EHDC's Armed Forces Champion and Royal Navy veteran, Councillor Phil Shaw, said: “What an amazing event! I am so proud that we are showing our support for our armed forces community in such a positive way.
"We have the bravest, most loyal military personnel in the world in our Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy services. This festival has given us an opportunity to give something back.
"Many veterans struggle to adjust to civilian life after serving their country. If we can help those making the transition and make it much easier for them to access to support and information. Events like this, provide a solid platform that veterans might need to thrive when they leave the armed services.”
L-R, Cllr Phil Shaw - EHDC Armed Forces Champion, Hannah Robbins - EHDC, Megan Lloyd - DH Office, Damian Hinds - MP, and Chris Paige, Petersfield RBL
A veteran is someone who has completed at least one day's service in any branch of the armed forces.
For more information about the event, or to find out what support is available for our armed forces in East Hampshire, including clubs and networking opportunities please contact our Armed Forces Officers – Joanne Utting and Hannah Robbins at communitynorth@easthants.gov.uk