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Vaughan Gething praises support for veterans in Cardiff visit
Deputy Minister for Health Vaughan Gething has met Royal British Legion staff and volunteers at their flagship pop in centre and praised the support offered to veterans.
The Welsh Government invests £485,000 every year in Veterans NHS Wales, which provides mental health services for ex-forces personnel. Royal British Legion caseworkers regularly refer people to the service if they need extra support.
Mr Gething said:
“Last summer we invested an extra £100,000 in the service, which has helped health boards to significantly reduce waiting times for people who need to access mental health support.
“Wales is leading the way in providing a national service for veterans. At the end of last year, waiting times were less than 18 weeks, meeting the Royal British Legion’s ambition. In North Wales, there were no waits at all.
“I’ve met some committed staff and volunteers here at the Royal British Legion. They are dedicated to helping service personnel and veterans, to whom we owe a debt of gratitude.
“They provide a range of support for veterans, from financial and housing support to training opportunities. It’s good to see for myself the work the Legion does and the impact it has on the lives of people who have served in the forces.”
The Royal British Legion’s new Pop In Centre in Cardiff offers face-to-face advice and support, as well as a meeting place for people with a services background. The Royal British Legion provides grants for people in immediate need, housing support, benefits and financial advice, family breaks, education, training and employment support.
RELATED LINKS
Mental health and wellbeing service for veterans in Wales
