Army veteran says volunteering at Somerset farm 'saved' his life

"If I hadn't come here there's a chance I wouldn't be here at all," Army veteran Frank Kelly says

An army veteran who "was in a very dark place" has credited volunteering at a farm in Somerset with saving his life.

Frank Kelly, a veteran from Bridgwater, regularly supports other veterans at the ARK at Egwood near Merriott.

He helps out in the kitchen, where they serve about 50 meals each day, and in the grounds where they keep animals.

"I struggle some days to get out of the house," Mr Kelly said. "If I hadn't come here, there's a chance I wouldn't be here at all."

Mr Kelly was referred to the ARK by his therapist.

Veterans and those serving in the military are now being supported by two new hubs in Somerset.

Mr Kelly helps out in the kitchen and with the animals

Funded by the NHS and other organisations, they support individuals with their mental health through outdoor activities and also look into finding them accommodation, if required.

"I came here about a year ago and it's lifted me up a lot further from where I was before," Mr Kelly said.

"It beats being on your own or being lonely. You come here and it all disappears."

'Find yourself'

Jon Richards, armed forces lead at ARK at Egwood, works with the veterans at the facility and is ex-military himself.

The ARK serves about 50 meals every day

He said the ARK support people who are on long waiting lists for NHS support.

"It's 12 acres of land where you can come and be with other people," Mr Richards said.

"You can come and find yourself, if you're feeling lost.

"I can't describe the feeling when you see someone bounce through the gate who had to drag themselves through weeks before.

"It's lovely."

"It's an amazing place to be," RAF veteran Philip Beckinsale says

'Amazing place'

Philip Beckinsale from Martock is a RAF veteran who also comes to the ARK regularly.

"I've always liked open spaces," he said.

"If you have a bad week, they're here to help you.

"I find every Wednesday when I come here I'm more relaxed, It's an amazing place to be."