THE team behind a brand new veteran support hub in Newton Abbot are hoping it will be open and operational next month.

Dubbed OpCwtch, the new hub, spearheaded by Amanda Richards, Kris Hanson and Richard Woods, will provide sign-posting, mentoring and opportunities for veterans, serving personnel and their families.

The team are hoping that the hub, which will cover Teignbridge, Torbay and the surrounding area, will be ready by Armed Forces Day on June 27.

Kris said: ‘We have been hard at work finding a great building, developing partnerships and contacts right across the services and sector and building the systems ready to hit the ground running.

‘The exciting part right now is that the receipt of the keys are just days away and we hope to be fully open and operational by Armed Forces Day’

The area is without a dedicated hub aimed at veterans, the closest facilities being either Plymouth or Exeter.

Kris added: ‘The aim has been to create a welcoming, practical place where people can access support, peer connection, mentoring, signposting, wellbeing activities and help before issues reach crisis point but importantly have the contacts to get support for people that need it, from the most relevant and effective organisation for their problem.

‘We are now looking for additional individuals, businesses and organisations who may be able to support the project financially, strategically or through in-kind help such as equipment, expertise, professional advice, volunteering, sponsorship or awareness-raising.

‘This is an opportunity to help build something practical and lasting for the Armed Forces community.

‘A place where people can walk in, have a brew, be listened to and be connected to the right support’.

For more information, including details about how to get involved and support the new hub, contact Kris via telephone on 07717 209509 or via email on [email protected]