Support available for Middlesbrough veterans facing financial crisis
Veterans who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply for support
Military veterans struggling to make ends meet are being urged to find out about the financial help available in Middlesbrough.
The Council’s Crisis and Resilience Fund can provide financial assistance to people facing hardship, including veterans living in the town.
Veterans who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply for support which can include a payment to help in a financial crisis and support to improve financial resilience. They can also be referred to other organisations for specialist assistance, including SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
Cllr Nicky Walker, Executive Member for Finance at Middlesbrough Council, said: “The Crisis and Resilience Fund is there to provide practical help when people are facing financial difficulty, but we are aware that veterans often encounter particular financial hurdles.
“We want to make sure veterans – to who we all owe a debt of gratitude - can access the right support for their circumstances, while also helping them build greater financial resilience for the future.”
Council staff will attend the established Veterans and Armed Forces Community Club next week to speak to veterans and their families, answer questions and provide advice on how to access support.
The monthly club provides a chance for veterans and service personnel to meet over breakfast, with support from the Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes and the Council’s Staying Included Service.
It has already welcomed more than 20 new members and its growing popularity means it will now move to bigger premises at Holiday Inn Express on Centre Square from 10am to noon on Friday, October 2.
Cllr Linda Lewis, Middlesbrough Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “We have a strong network of support for veterans and their families in Middlesbrough, but it is important that people know where to turn when they need support.
"The Veterans and Armed Forces Community Club has been a great success so far and I would encourage any veteran who is struggling financially to find out what is on offer. Asking for help can make a real difference.”
Other support available includes the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme, which has places available for eligible children during the school holidays.
Housing support may also be available for veterans struggling with their housing costs.
This can include help where there is a shortfall in rent payments, as well as assistance for those who need to move into alternative accommodation.
Veterans who are unsure whether they qualify for support are encouraged to get in touch.
Some may be living with physical or mental health conditions linked to their service, or other long-term health issues, which could mean additional financial help and support is available to them.
Council officers can discuss individual circumstances and help people access the assistance they may be entitled to.
Anyone wanting to find out more about the Crisis and Resilience Fund, including eligibility criteria and how to apply can visit the Council’s website.