How a Chesterfield charity’s new service will help veterans and their families

A charity has launched a new service to help Derbyshire veterans and their families with a range of issues.
By Michael Broomhead
Published 14th Dec 2020, 12:30 BST

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STAND TO, which is based at New Square in Chesterfield, has opened the Veterans’ Information Point (VIP) thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Covid Fund.

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The VIP will provide information for veterans and their families on matters such as housing, addiction and relationship and financial support services.

STAND TO workers Jane Lawther, Elaine Handley, Gemma King, Danny Webb and Alison Corbett. Picture taken by Brian Eyre before coronavirus restrictions were introduced.STAND TO workers Jane Lawther, Elaine Handley, Gemma King, Danny Webb and Alison Corbett. Picture taken by Brian Eyre before coronavirus restrictions were introduced.
STAND TO workers Jane Lawther, Elaine Handley, Gemma King, Danny Webb and Alison Corbett. Picture taken by Brian Eyre before coronavirus restrictions were introduced.
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Anyone who contacts the VIP will receive a response from a fellow veteran, staff member or volunteer from the STAND TO service, which is dedicated to supporting ex-forces personnel across the county.

The vital charity, which is part of the Derbyshire Alcohol Advice Service (DAAS), has helped countless people with drink issues to improve their lives.

Elaine Handley, DAAS manager, said: “We know from the five years we have delivered our successful STAND TO veteran alcohol service that alcohol issues are only one of the problems experienced by our veteran community.

“Our new VIP will widen our remit to reach out to veterans who may be experiencing a range of problems – which may be as a direct result of Covid or due to longer-term issues.

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“This is much more than an information point – our veteran workers and volunteers will engage with callers and link them to a range of groups, recovery events and activities such as walking, boot camp and fishing, offering them the opportunity to regain the camaraderie many of them miss.”

STAND TO has launched the VIP working closely with University of Derby researchers in veteran health.

Dr Paula Holt, a patron of STAND TO and Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean at the University of Derby, said: “It is good to see a resource that is developed and resourced locally to support local veterans and their families.”

The VIP can be accessed by calling 01246 959333 or emailing [email protected] between 9.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday. An out-of-hours message service is also in operation.

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Earlier this year, veteran Danny Webb, an alcohol support worker with STAND TO, urged people who need help to come forward and not ‘suffer in silence’.

Visit www.standto.co.uk for more information about STAND TO.

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Related topics:ChesterfieldDerbyshire