A CHARITY in south Somerset is working to help veterans across the county through its role as a designated NHS Armed Forces Hub.
ARK at Egwood, which is based near Merriott, is one of only two charities in the county chosen by Somerset NHS ICB to work with and support veterans and their families.
The other designated Armed Forces Hub in Somerset is ARC in Taunton (formerly Taunton Association for the Homeless).
Read More:
ARK at Egwood awarded King’s Award for Voluntary Service 2024
Somerset health centre helps NHS get shortlisted for award
The charity and its volunteers were out in force on Somerset Armed Forces Day at Vivary Park in Taunton on July 5, speaking with members of the public.
Jon Richards, Armed Forces Lead at ARK said: “ARK is one of two NHS commissioned Armed Forces Hubs in Somerset, the other being ARC in Taunton. Our role is to engage with the armed forces community in a welfare capacity. We offer a social prescribing link for veterans.”
“We’re covering all four parts of Somerset and we’ve probably got around 170 people on and off with varying health needs, whether its PTSD, mental health, or social isolation.”
“What’s great is that people living on their own are now coming together and they’re getting on really well”, Jon added.
Along with Jon, who served 24 years, there are two other ex-service personnel working at ARK. Nigel Bell, CEO of ARK, served 28 years in the Royal Navy, and Sam Sheppard who served nine and a half years.
Dan, a veteran who enjoys visiting ARK every Wednesday, said: “ARK is brilliant for veterans, and I went over a bit apprehensive. We all go over and have a bit of a chat. It gets us out into the open. The largest turnout we’ve had so far is around 30 people.”
“It’s just really nice to meet up with a group of people in a relaxing environment. The oldest veteran who visits is 92, and family members can also come along too”, Dan added.
In May, the charity won the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest honour for volunteer groups in the UK. The award, which is equivalent to an MBE, recognises exceptional contributions to communities through voluntary action.
Share