AN Army veteran is hoping to provide a support network for the military community in Northwich.

The Armed Forces Breakfast Club meets every second Saturday of the month in the Penny Black, Witton Street, and is a chance for current and former members of the Army, Navy and RAF to socialise.

Group administrator Mick Sharples, who served as a Royal Engineer for 23 years, is appealing for more members and says that ‘help is available for those that need it.’

He said: “The club is a place for like-minded individuals to share their experiences of the armed forces and to have a good time.

“I have made civilian friends since leaving the Army but I still identify with the people who are ex-military as they are the ones who I can relate to.

“We want to try to spread the word to let veterans know that we are here to socialise but also to provide a support network.

“We don’t know whether there are any homeless veterans in the area or how many are suffering from PTSD.

“A lot of veterans are unaware of the support that they can receive so we’re trying to open their eyes to that.

“This can be preferential treatment for physical pain or mental health support.

“I’ve got contacts at the Royal British Legion and SSAFA, the armed forces charity. I haven’t used them yet but they are available if necessary.”

The Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club started in Hull and it has since inspired branches to open across the UK.

The Northwich group first met in the Watermead, Lostock Gralam, in 2016 but in an effort to boost numbers it moved into Northwich town centre in April 2017.

Mick added: “The Watermead was a difficult place to meet so we felt it best to move.

“Since then we’ve had a solid 15 people attend every month and they are starting to become regulars.

“But ideally we want to have enough interest so that we can meet every week.

“Hopefully we can gain some support from the council in the near future. I’d love a councillor to come and see what we’re doing.”

For more information join the Northwich Veterans Facebook page.