York Support Group For Military Veterans

The sessions, which are held every Wednesday from 5.30pm until 7.00pm in Sycamore House, is a peer network of ex-military personnel who can provide information, advice and support to any member of the armed forces going through re-settlement, any ex-forces personnel or armed forces dependents.

The weekly sessions are a great opportunity for people connected to the military to meet people with shared experiences and values.  The group also enables people to meet other who have successfully adjusted to civilian life and can offer practical advice based on their experiences and knowledge.  The advice could include how to access a range of resources including priority healthcare, housing and financial support that military veterans or forces dependents may be entitled to.    

Cabinet Member for Health and Community Engagement, Councillor Linsay Cunningham-Cross said:

“This is a great initiative and a good example of true partnership working; bringing together people and organisations with the right skills and experiences to help a particular group of people in the city.  The development of this group demonstrates how the inequalities in York are not always obvious and we must continue to work with groups that are under-represented to ensure the support they need is available. 

"City of York Council signed the York Community Covenant in 2011 which looks to ensure that the city’s Armed Forces, veterans and their families have the support they need and are treated with the dignity they deserve."

Dr Paul Edmondson-Jones, Director or Health and Wellbeing at City of York Council said:

“As an ex-serviceman myself I know how important it is to maintain friendships and camaraderie of the Forces once you have left.  I was in the army for 23 years and would have found a group like this useful to be able to talk to other people who have been through similar experiences.  It is great to see a variety of organisations working together to provide this support in York."   

Jason Meek, Founder of the Peer Group said:

“When I left the army I would have found a group like this invaluable.  To have access to other ex-forces peers to offer advice about accommodation and medical issues in an informal environment would have been great.  The group can offer support and advice in language that other ex-military personnel understand while enjoying a coffee and sharing experiences."   

Minster FM spoke to Mr Meek about the group:

City of York Council is working with the Army Welfare Service, Royal British Legion, York St John University, MoD and Combat Stress to provide the weekly support group.