New centre in Burnley to help ex-servicemen

A new centre has been launched in Burnley to help ex-servicemen and women with any emotional problems they are facing.

The organisation is called Salute – which stands for Soldiers Assisted Leaving Uniform Together Empower – and it seeks to help those who have left the armed forces and are struggling with alcoholism, drugs and homelessness, the Lancashire Telegraph reports.

It already has a base at Brunshaw Avenue and the new site is on Hammerton Street.

Keith Shepherd, who was in the army for over 20 years, is the founder of the charity.

"We're all veterans ourselves so we know what it's like to have been in the armed services and then have to make what can be a difficult transition to civilian life," he added.

It comes after Doreen Swalwell raised £120 for homeless ex-military personnel by hosting a raffle at the Heronspool Close Community Centre, the Hartlepool Mail reports.

Posted by Samantha Thompson