'Listening ear' to help veterans on civvy street

Dave Pearson is the new armed forces lead at Citizens Advice in Grimsby

A man who served in the RAF for more than 20 years is supporting veterans to adjust to civilian life.

Dave Pearson has taken on the new role of armed forces lead with Citizens Advice in Grimsby.

He will help people leaving the forces with issues such as money and debt, housing, employment and disability benefits.

Mr Pearson said he had experienced "some of the challenges the veterans are facing" and "I know what they're going through."

Veterans often did not know who to turn to for support because there was no equivalent to Citizens Advice in the forces.

"Transition to civilian life can be quite difficult," Mr Pearson told the BBC Radio Humberside Breakfast Show. "You face employment issues.

"The qualifications you gain in the forces... don't obviously translate in to the civilian world."

According to North East Lincolnshire Council, there are about 7,000 veterans living in the borough.

Mr Pearson, who was an RAF ground electrical engineer for 22 years, said those leaving the forces often needed assistance with training, education and finding stable and affordable housing.

Veterans were "more likely to go with that support" if they had "someone like a veteran" to talk to.

'Tailored advice'

Mental health was another "primary concern", with some experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety and substance and alcohol abuse, Mr Pearson added.

The new role is being supported with a £32,000 grant from North East Lincolnshire Council's Household Support Fund.

Duncan Rossiter, the chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: "Our project's role is to ensure that no one has to face that journey alone. We are here to offer tailored advice, access to specialist services and a listening ear."

Regular coffee mornings are being held as part of the scheme to bring veterans together.

Mr Pearson is working alongside the charity NEL4Heroes.

"It's a very rewarding role," he added.

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