New initiative launched to support female veterans

Walking With The Wounded have launched a new initiative, providing a female-only space for women who have served in the Armed Forces.

The new initiative, ‘HerHub’ in North Shields opens its doors on the second Thursday of every month, between 09:00 and 17:00, offering safe and understanding support in a female-only space, and with child-friendly facilities, where anything can be discussed. Any woman who has served, at any time and in any branch of the Armed Forces, is welcome to come along.

Women make up almost 12% of the total serving in the Armed Forces, a proportion that is increasing and yet when leaving service, many effectively become invisible and do not access support groups and services available. Many ex-service women don’t consider themselves as traditional ‘veterans’, but they will face similar challenges re-entering civilian life.

Many women who need support choose not to attend existing veteran support groups as they are often male dominated, have little experience with female-specific problems, and can be intimidating, and currently only 10% of the female ex-service population actively engage with any support services.

Speaking on to new initiative, Victoria Wales, Regional Manager at WWTW said: “Have you served? Come and join us, we’ve been there too. If you just want a cup of tea, cake and a natter; a sympathetic ear; or to find out what help is out there, we truly understand what challenges you may be facing and can help you find solutions. It will be a female-only space, and we’d love to welcome you to our new facilities.”

HerHub, at WWTW’s The Forces Support Hub, 20-22 Borough Road, The Walker Building, North Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE29 6LL has been able to launch this new support service due to recent upgrades of the facilities on site.