THE Worcestershire branch of a popular charity has launched a new vital service supporting older veterans in the county.

Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire has launched Joining Forces, a service dedicated to improving the quality of life and wellbeing of older veterans.

The service offers practical, emotional and financial support, as well as connecting veterans with local services, military organisations and social groups within the community.

The charity is working with the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) in Worcestershire to launch the service, and provide the focused support programme to the county’s older veterans.

Representatives from local branches of SSAFA, the Royal British Legion and the Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS), as well as people benefitting from the service, attended a launch event which was held on Wednesday.

Joining Forces service co-ordinator Gemma Warden said: “We offer personalised support and advice.

"This can include things like benefits, aids and adaptations and accessing the many military-specific services.

"We want to ensure that older veterans know that support is there for them, no matter how long they served for.”

SSAFA Worcestershire believes there is a large number of eligible veterans who may qualify for assistance, but are unaware of the service.

Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lockyer, SSAFA Worcestershire chairman, said: “Sadly there are too many people who are unaware of what help they may be entitled to, or who are reluctant to seek help.”

The Joining Forces programme is one of 12 local projects within the national partnership between SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity and Age UK.

Older veterans, or people supporting them, can find out more about Joining Forces by calling 01905 740950 or 0800 008 6077.

Alternatively email veteranswellcheck@ageukhw.org.uk.