PAST, present and future members of the Armed Forces will have access to more support through a new outreach programme being piloted in Bromsgrove.

Set up by the Royal British Legion, the new scheme is aiming to provide practical, emotional and financial support to all members of the British Armed Forces and their families.

The outreach scheme is to be hosted by Bromsgrove District Council in The Hub, School Drive, every Thursday morning from 9.30am until 1pm.

The centre will be the first in the county and aims to encourage any potential beneficiaries of The Royal British Legion to pop in rather than having to go to central offices.

It is being run by Katie Humphries, welfare case officer for Worcestershire and Alan Kelly, a trained volunteer caseworker and also County Vice Chairman.

The Royal British Legion spends approximately £1.7 million per week on welfare.

It is hoped more outreach centres, manned by staff and volunteers, will open across the county later this year.

Civic Head, Councillor John Ruck, who is also ex-services and a member of The Royal British Legion, said: “I am so pleased that outreach is coming to Bromsgrove and that we as a council can support it through the use of our premises.

"As a veteran myself, I know that every so often everyone needs a bit of help and guidance, so to have it available right on your doorstep is fantastic.

"I am extremely proud that we as a district are doing more to support our local Armed Forces.”

David Lowe, the Royal British Legion area manager, added: “I am delighted that we have an outreach service available in the Bromsgrove area as part of our move to make welfare more accessible.”