A SUPPORT group for York veterans has been launched.

The Military Veterans and Service Leavers Peer Support Group was set up by City of York Council and other agencies to provide support, advice and information to ex-service personnel and their families.

In the weekly sessions, experts and ex-service personnel will help visitors gain access to priority healthcare, housing and financial support they may be entitled to.

Jason Meek, Founder of the Peer Group said: “When I left the army I would have found a group like this invaluable. To have access to other ex-forces peers to offer advice about accommodation and medical issues in an informal environment would have been great.

"The group can offer support and advice in language that other ex-military personnel understand while enjoying a coffee and sharing experiences.”

Councillor Linsay Cunningham-Cross, cabinet member for health and community engagement, said: “This is a great initiative and a good example of true partnership working; bringing together people and organisations with the right skills and experiences to help a particular group of people in the city.

"The development of this group demonstrates how the inequalities in York are not always obvious and we must continue to work with groups that are under-represented to ensure the support they need is available.”

The sessions are held every Wednesday from 5.30pm until 7.00pm at Sycamore House, Clarence Street.