Support available to the Armed Forces community

Dealing with everyday challenges relating to the cost of living can affect anyone including currently serving troops and their families, veterans, and cadets.

To support veterans and ex-service families, the Armed Forces Community Support charity, with the support of the Council, provide drop-in sessions four times a month in Ellesmere Port and Chester.

The Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes (NAAFI) Break Drop-in is open to veterans, Regulars or Reserves, and their dependents, to come together in a relaxed social environment to share similar experiences.

It also offers front-line help where needed and direct access to support, advice, and guidance on topics like employment, debt, benefits, welfare, mental health difficulties, housing, homelessness, drug and alcohol problems.

Location and times
Ellesmere Port Library – second and fourth Thursday of every month between 11am and 1pm

Dale Barracks, Chester – first and third Thursday of every month between 11am and 1pm

Brio Leisure also provides current and ex-members of the military, along with those who are medically discharged, the opportunity to receive a discounted or free membership. Ex-members of the armed forces can benefit from Brio Leisure’s discounted Work Fit Membership, and this is available to those who have left the forces in the last five years.

For more information on employment, housing, health and leisure support, visit the Armed Forces Covenant pages on the Council’s website.

West Cheshire Armed Forces Covenant