AN EX-SERVICEMAN is bringing a vital support network for former servicemen and women in Rhyl.

Charles Porter, known to his friends and family in Rhuddlan as Bill, will launch a safe space for former and serving military, police, fire and ambulance personnel at the United church on Water Street on Wednesday, September 5.

Former Warrant Officer Bill, who served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) for 25 years, felt compelled to reach out to fellow servicemen and women after losing three of his former colleagues in the space of a week

Bill, 49, said: “I lost three colleagues to mental health, which were not related to life in the services, and while there are plenty of charities for ex-servicemen nationwide, there needs to be more support for the socially isolated and house bound when they return to civilian life.

“The passing of my colleagues spurred me on to do what I want to achieve now - I want to create a safe place for all the personnel and their families.

“There is still very much the perception amongst veterans that it's better to bottle things up rather than talk

Throughout his service, Bill served in Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Canada, Norway, Greece, Bosnia, Kosovo, and Iraq.

Originally from Cockermouth in Cumbria, Bill settled in Rhuddlan after meeting wife Frances – from Rhyl - during his final posting at the Prestatyn TA as a Warrant Officer.

The safe space will offer one to one counselling and will encourage veterans to engage in a variety of therapeutic activities, including gardening, arts and crafts and sports competitions, ran in conjunction with Colwyn Bay veterans support group Woodys.

The service will also be open to former emergency services personnel and reservists.

Bill added: While there is also much support from the public, various charities and Denbigshire County Council, some people won't necessarily talk to a charity about their needs.

"I'm hoping veterans will come and talk to like minded people at the hub, and that if anyone knows a veteran pensioner next door who is housebound and lonely, they will get them to come over and have a brew."

The hub opens on Wednesday, September 5 10am to 12pm, and will run at the same time every week from then on.