Hub to offer support to veterans in Stoke-on-Trent

The centre was opened on Saturday

A charity has opened a new hub offering support to armed forces veterans.

The centre, which opened in Tontine Street in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, is operated by Tri Services which has another base in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

It will offer those who have served help with health and wellbeing, getting access to benefits or housing as well as organising trips.

Case worker Kathy Munslow said the charity, which is run by veterans for veterans, "saves lives".

The hub works with three armed forces charities, SSAFA, Walking with the Wounded and Veterans UK.

Kathy Munslow is a case worker for the armed forces charity SSAFA

Ms Munslow, who has been a volunteer for SSAFA for 40 years, said: "In Newcastle we work with a lot of veterans.

"I can honestly tell you it saves lives."

Since opening in 2015, Tri Services has helped about 20,000 people.

Leroy Francis said Tri Service helped him get back on his feet

Leroy Francis, who served as a weapons engineer in the Royal Air Force for 26 years, said the charity helped him get back on his feet.

"There is somebody to chat to when you need a friend," he said.

"We just talk to each other and that is priceless."