Our Veterans Community Café in Edinburgh has received some vital funding from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity to support more veterans across the city.

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity awarded a £5,550 grant to Change Mental Health towards its veterans work to improve the mental health and wellbeing of military veterans, based at our Stafford Centre in Edinburgh.

The Veterans Community Café helps veterans connect with each other, enabling them to reduce social isolation and obtain practical advice about finances and benefits. 92% of those who attend the café are Army veterans and it provides a non-judgmental safe space where they feel understood.

Linsey Shields, Director of Fundraising & Business Development, Change Mental Health, said:

“We are delighted that ABF The Soldiers’ Charity has recognised the importance of our work managing the mental health needs of the veteran community in Edinburgh and the Lothians. This new grant will allow us to engage more armed forces veterans and their families in a welcoming, informal setting in Edinburgh city centre where they can forge meaningful social connections and become less isolated.”

Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of veterans is a priority area for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and their Director Kevin Barney Haugh took the time to chat with the veterans we support and was impressed by the wide range of activities we offer for them.

Brigadier (Ret’d) Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, added:

“Helping veterans to improve their health and wellbeing and lead happy fulfilling lives is a priority for our charity. It is important that charities like Change Mental Health exist in our local communities, so that veterans who are anxious and worried about life’s challenges know where help is available. We are proud to award this grant.”