Penny Mordaunt MP, Leader of the House of Commons, and former Secretary of State for Defence, visited Veterans in Communities in Haslingden today, accompanied by local MP Sara Britcliffe and Rossendale Councillor Laura Beth Thompson. The visit provided an opportunity for Ms Mordaunt to meet with staff and veterans, share a cup of tea, and get a tour of the centre.
During the visit, Ms. Mordaunt was told of the vital work that Veterans in Communities does to support veterans and their families in the local area. She heard from staff and veterans about their experiences and how the centre has helped them to rebuild their lives after leaving the Armed Forces.
Veterans in Communities is a charity that provides a range of support services to veterans and their families, including mental health and wellbeing support, education and training opportunities, and employment advice. The centre also offers a range of social activities and events, providing veterans with a sense of community and belonging.
Ms Mordaunt as a long history of association with the Armed Forces, her father was in the Parachute Regiment, while Ms Mordaunt was Secretary of State for Defence in Theresa May’s Government. Prior to politics, she set up Veterans Reunited to ensure veterans could attend commemorative events and visit wartime battlefields.
Penny Mordaunt MP said:
It was fantastic to see all the work Veterans in Communities do across Hyndburn and Rossendale.
From speaking to staff and having a brew with veterans I really got a sense of just how important the group is for the local area.
This has always been a subject close to my heart both from my time as Secretary of State for Defence, and prior to politics setting up the Veterans Reunited programme.
I want to thank Sara for inviting me and all the staff & veterans who I met for being so welcoming.
Sara Britcliffe MP added:
I am proud to bring Penny to Haslingden today so she can see the amazing work that Veterans in Communities is doing to support our veterans.
I have worked with the team at Veterans in Communities closely since I was elected in 2019 and have seen their work in both Accrington and Haslingden on several occasions. It is always inspiring to hear staff talk about the work they do and hear from the veterans themselves how big a role the charity has played in their lives following their Armed Forces career.
Veterans in Communities work with our brave ex-servicemen and women is a credit to our area and I am delighted we were able to get Penny in to visit and see it for herself.
