A festival has been organised to celebrate and support veterans and active‑duty armed forces members in East Hampshire.
East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) has teamed up with Petersfield Royal British Legion and the Office of Damian Hinds MP, to organise and host the first East Hampshire Veterans Festival.
Vets Fest is a free to attend drop-in event being held on Friday, January 24 at Petersfield Festival Hall, from 10am til 3pm.
Aimed at serving and former members of the armed forces community, including their families, the festival gives ex-service people an opportunity to meet with service charities and other veterans for advice, assistance and support.
From mental and physical health organisations to financial, housing and pension support, there will be a mix of national organisations and local East Hampshire based groups and charities who provide social care and support for veterans.
EHDC's Armed Force Champion and Royal Navy veteran, Councillor Phil Shaw, said: “Veterans need differing levels of support to help them make a life for themselves outside of the services.
"This festival gives them the chance to explore a range of information from national organisations, charities and local groups, providing support, advice, discussion, networking and friendship.
“It's a great opportunity for us all to show our appreciation for the value that the armed forces personnel and their families bring to our communities.”
If you are part of an organisation that would like to have a stall at the event, or for more information, contact EHDC Armed Forces Officers – Joanne Utting and Hannah Robbins at [email protected].
To find out what support is available for the armed forces in East Hampshire, including clubs and networking opportunities take a look at the EHDC website.