Veterans' charity Change Step saved by Budget windfall

A Welsh veterans' charity has been saved by a £500,000 Budget windfall.

Colwyn Bay-based Change Step had run out of money following an unsuccessful bid for further funding and 29 workers faced losing their jobs.

But a £500,000 banking fines donation to the charity was included in Chancellor George Osborne's Budget.

The money from the Treasury will provide "peer support and tailored specialist intervention" for 800 Welsh veterans.

Change Step was set up with almost £1m from the Ministry of Defence Libor fund three years ago.

About 1,000 veterans and their families have been supported by the charity's team of veteran peer mentors, dealing with mental health issues, loneliness, welfare or addiction problems.