A NEW event in Hyde will bring together veterans for an afternoon of support, music, conversation and memories from military life.
Former members of the armed forces are being invited to a community support and networking event at Clarendon Shopping Centre on Tuesday, September 29.
The event, running from 10.30am to 1.30pm, will give veterans the chance to meet other people with military connections while finding out about services and organisations available across Tameside.
Among those attending will be Mentell, which provides support for men’s mental health, and SSAFA, offering practical, financial and emotional support to serving personnel, veterans and their families.
There will also be a chance to delve into Tameside’s military history, with memorabilia from Tameside Archives on display, including a number of memory boxes.
Visitors can also speak to representatives from Tameside Council services, including Citizens Advice, Helping Hands and Welfare Rights, as well as the council’s Community Safety Team.
The event will have a musical element too, with Merry Men’s Crew, a men’s ensemble which includes veterans, performing some of its songs.
Other organisations and services taking part include Help for Heroes, Tameside Council’s Valour programme, Greater Manchester Police, Groundwork and Citizens Advice.
Groundwork will be on hand to discuss employment, skills and volunteering opportunities, while GMP will also be represented by officers, including some with their own military backgrounds.
Councillor Hugh Roderick, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Armed Forces, said he was looking forward to welcoming veterans to the event.
“I’m really looking forward to welcoming veterans to this event. It’s an opportunity to come together, enjoy some music and conversation, and reflect on memories from military life with others who share those experiences,” said the Hyde Newton councillor.
“It’s also a chance to find out more about the support and services available locally. We’d like to see as many veterans as possible there, so please do spread the word to anyone who may be interested.”