New support hub for Luton veterans opens next month
Veterans in Luton will be able to get support and services under one roof, thanks to a new hub opening in the town.
The Royal British Legion Leagrave and Limbury Branch, in Marsh Road, will double as a safe space for ex-military service men and women to meet, socialise and get help with their health, finances and social care.
The ‘RV Point Luton’, meaning rendezvous point, will become a place for veterans and their families to come and access the support services they need.
The project was started by Paul Prior, the branch’s chairman, who has experienced the lack of help first-hand.
He said: “I was medically discharged from the army back in 2011 and I didn’t really get the best kind of transition and support.
“A lot of the time it takes the individual to hunt down the right person to speak to. You get given a leaflet and told to phone this number… they might try once or twice… and they don’t follow up.”
Charities, the council and government departments have come together to make sure the 3,500 veterans in the town are supported during their life after service.
Paul explained: “The best way [to help] is to get a single point of contact. “If you do need support… whether it’s your pension, benefits, housing, mental health… we can support you with that.”
The MPs for the town will join the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire at the official opening on May 11.
Paul added: “We’ll be keeping track that they are actually supporting you and not getting lost in the system.”