The Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns MP, joined Welsh Conservative Assembly Candidate Darren Millar for Clwyd West today on a visit to a leading veterans support charity in Colwyn Bay.
Change Step is a Cais led peer mentoring and advice service for military veterans and others with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other psychosocial problems who want to make positive changes to their lives.
In the budget this year, the Chancellor announced they would receive half a million to develop their work.
The Secretary of State for Wales and Darren were joined on their visit by Welsh Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner Candidate Matt Wright.
Darren, who has long championed the work of Change Step, said:
“It is always good to catch up with the fantastic team at Change Step. I was delighted earlier this year when the Chancellor announced an additional £500,000 to develop their work and visited them not long after to congratulate them and discuss how the money would be spent.
“Today they gave us a further update on their plans fort the future and said the half a million will be used in the interests of the long term sustainability of the programme.
“I know the Secretary of State for Wales, like myself, was extremely impressed to hear of the invaluable work they carry out in helping former servicemen and women, and their families, deal with devastating impact of PTSD which affects almost 9,000 veterans in Wales.”
Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns MP, said:
“Among combat veterans, there is a common pattern of complex post-traumatic stress disorder, with attempted symptom suppression by alcohol or drug abuse, a downward spiral of employment difficulties, relationship problems, confrontation with the law and even suicide. Change Step is delivered by veterans for veterans and supporting those seeking help for problems encountered as a result of military or operational duty
“The programme offers peer support, training opportunities and signposting to relevant health and welfare services and has helped many of our veterans in North Wales. This additional funding announced in the budget will ensure than many others benefit from the programme in the future.”
Picture Caption: Change Step staff and volunteers chatting to Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns MP, and Welsh Conservative Assembly Candidate for Clwyd West Darren Millar.