Veterans can now easily access assistance in Bolton and beyond if they need it.

New information will soon be displayed on Bolton Council’s website to signpost veteran who need support.

Councillor For Horwich and Blackrod First Ryan Bamforth, who served in the armed forces, said he worked with the council on the initiative after recognising the need in the community.

He said: “It's apparent that there are veterans in need of assistance.

“I've had meetings with officers and NHS staff to find out what assistance is available. Staff and officers should be proud of what they have on offer for veteran's.

“Moving forwards from this Cllrs Rigby, Grant and myself also met with officers to see if the Let's Keep Bolton Moving website could also be fine tuned.

“There are, in addition to this lots of great community and borough wide champions who do great things and can offer lots of help.”

NHS commissioned support will include the Military Veterans Service Talking Therapies, Op Courage, 1Point therapies, and GP registers, where all veterans will be encouraged to let their GPs know.

Support outside of the NHS includes Bolton Guild of Help, Live At Ease – for veterans with any type of disability needing support.

A 2021 census on Bolton’s veteran population found that 3.2 per cent of Bolton served in the Armed Forces, which is in line with the average for Greater Manchester at 3.2 per cent.

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Of Bolton’s veterans, 75.8 per cent served in the regular British Army, 20.7 per cent served in the reserves, and 3.6 percent served in both regular and reserves.