A scheme to give armed forces veterans support in Wellington has been supported by the town council.

The Armed Forces Outreach project has been given a £500 grant.

Members of Wellington Town Council’s police and finance committee agreed on July 13 to help fund an outreach service for Armed Forces veterans at St John’s Church Hall.

Veterans are invited to go along to the church hall at St John’s Church in High Street where they can enjoy refreshments, conversation and meet Somerset NHS Armed Forces link members as well as representatives from other agencies.

Terri Underwood, who leads the Armed Forces team at NHS Somerset, told councillors that the £500 grant received from the council last year had been used to successfully run the service in Wellington.

She had previously told the council that there were around 4,000 people in the Wellington area who had links with the Army, Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force – a figure which did surprise councillors.

Terri was delighted when councillors voted in favour to support the awarding of another £500 for the current financial year after the application was proposed by Cllr Janet Lloyd and seconded by Cllr Mike McGuffie.

Cllr Andy Govier said: “This is a very worthwhile service and brings like-minded people with similar experiences together. I’m in support of this.”

Cllr Chris Penk said it was important to attract younger veterans to the group as there were “a lot about and they have seen a lot.”

Terri and her team at NHS Somerset is here to offer advice and support to the Armed Forces community with healthcare, education and housing.

Future Armed Forces Outreach sessions are due to be held at St John’s Church Hall from 1.30pm to 3.30pm on Tuesday, July 28; Wednesday, August 26; Wednesday, September 23; and Wednesday, October 21.