A NEW weekly get together for ex-armed forces and Royal British Legion members has been launched in Leigh by a new friendship group founded by Compassion in Action.

The first 'brunch' meeting was held at CIA's Patrick House which was decorated in patriotic red, white and blue, and had the Standards of each of the local RBL branches on show.

Pam Gilligan, Chief Executive of CIA, said: “Finding friendships, joining forces: that’s the aim of our Veterans Brunch."

The aim of the brunch is for Leigh-based veterans who have served all over the world in conflicts from the Second World War to present day, to get together to socialise.

Keith Stott of the Tyldesley branch’s Welfare Committee, said: "It’s been a terrific success, getting the three branches together. It’s bringing back that sense of comradeship everyone used to enjoy. You can come to the Veterans Brunch for a brew and a chat; have an enjoyable time; and – if you need help – get the right contact numbers for groups to speak to.”

Bob Watson of the Leigh branch hopes it will help veterans to see what the Royal British Legion can do for them — everything from access to help with housing and benefits, to work opportunities and a social life.

“The Veteran Brunch is a cracking idea and exactly what we need to be doing – drawing ex-service members into places like this. A lot of veterans have, in the past, felt let down by their communities and the council."

Atherton RBL branch member Roland Lawton said: "The problems facing people coming out of service now after combat tours are quite serious — homelessness, financial hardship and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Their families are suffering too. Anywhere that can assist ex-servicemen and women through what is a difficult transition by directing them to help and benefits is a good thing.”

The next Veterans Brunch will be held on Thursday, October 22, from 11am until 1pm.

For any enquiries about the Veterans Brunch, telephone 01942 418830.