Scarborough's Veterans Hub is actively seeking a larger, dedicated clubhouse facility to better serve the needs of the Armed Forces Community across the region.
The organisation, which operates out of the Age UK North Yorkshire Coast and Moors premises in Scarborough, is currently the only dedicated site in the region providing a one-stop-shop for veterans and their families. However, the current facilities are proving insufficient for larger social gatherings.
Dr Lori Boul, the Veterans Hub Lead for Age UK North Yorkshire Coast and Moors, has issued a direct appeal for suitable premises, outlining the vision for an expanded facility. Dr Boul stated:
"We are looking for something that could be used as a clubhouse.
There is a wonderful veterans hub over Wakefield way. They've got their own clubhouse and Wakefield council pay the rent for them, but they cover all the utilities of course.
And if we can find a clubhouse and set that up and have volunteers running it, so veterans can just drop in any time they want and have a coffee and a chat and do whatever it is they enjoy doing and lots of activities."
The Hub, which delivers joined-up support by partnering with Forces and Civilian charities, is currently operating services on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Dr Boul noted that while the Hub has a dedicated facility, its current size restricts social activities.
"We've got a dedicated facility here, but it's only 3 days a week, and it's not big enough for social activities, it's more office. People do come in and have a coffee, but if we've got more than half a dozen people, we might have a problem.
So, it's more the social aspect of it. And if anybody knows of an empty pub, and there's a kind brewery that will let us have it for free, that would be good. Veterans do like a pub, so that would be okay.
But any premises at all, the one in Wakefield, I think it's the old rugby club place they've got, which is really nice. They've got a training room, an office and various things.
And if we could just provide that then I think we would really see some increase in interest and numbers,"
The Hub aims to pull together separate veteran support initiatives under one umbrella, a strategy Dr Boul believes enhances service provision. The organisation ensures that thousands of serving and former members of the UK Armed Forces, their families, and the increasing number of Ukrainian veterans and families living in the region receive necessary support. The services provided include information, support, training services, social events, outings, and a Buddying service for isolated veterans. The organisation also hosts sessions led by groups such as Carers Plus and Citizens Advice.
The initiative is hosted by Age UK North Yorkshire Coast & Moors, based in Scarborough, and sponsored by the Veterans’ Foundation.
Despite the essential nature of the services, the Hub operates on a tight budget. Dr Boul highlighted the financial constraints, stating that while Age UK provides the hub building, facilities, and her employment, there is "no other funding".
Consequently, Dr Boul is actively seeking local support to maintain operations, calling for contributions from local businesses and organisations who might be able to help "pay the electricity bill or whatever". She stressed the necessity of finding support to ensure the services do not cease: "I just really would hate in three years time to see all this just stop. Because there is a demand for it and there is good support," she added.
The Hub provides free services to eligible individuals and their dependants, of any age. Information about the Veterans Hub, which operates from 2b Royal Avenue, Scarborough, is available through Age UK North Yorkshire Coast and Moors.
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