An army veteran is providing a place for ex-service personnel to meet one another to discuss life, their time in the armed services and mental health.
Kevin Pelling, from Dereham, set up the Dereham Armed Forces Breakfast Club last March after reaching out to Paul Sandford at The Railway Tavern.
Over the past 14 months the HGV driver, who spent 24 years in the army, has attracted between six and 20 veterans each month.
“Speaking from experience, loneliness and mental health can be problems for ex-service personnel and spending time with others who understand makes a difference,” Mr Pelling said.
“I’ve met people there and we have a lot of mutual friends, and there is enough knowledge in the room for people if they want to open up, we can suggest places to help.
“I myself have suffered with depression and anxiety which stems from my time in the forces, and I wanted to let others know that this club exist for them to use.”
The 62-year-old, who raised to the rank of staff sergeant during his time in the army, moved to Loughborough in 2014, where he attended the national club.
He moved back to Dereham in 2021 and was keen to offer the same service in Dereham - with clubs already existing in Little Melton and Swaffham.
“I saw the benefit immediately,” Mr Pelling added.
“I didn’t really have any friends in the area, and the club offered me a place to meet like-minded people who could relate to the things I was talking about.”
The club is held on the first Saturday of every month at the pub on Yaxham Road, with breakfast costing £5, but it is not required to attend. There is also free tea and coffee.
To find out more, you can visit the Facebook page, or email Mr Pelling at kevinpelling@outlook.com
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