EX-SERVICEMEN and women have somewhere to turn to in Monmouth, with help on hand at the local Soldiers, Sailors, Airman and Families Association (SSAFA) branch based in Abergavenny.

The national charity has been running since 1885 and has bases across the country. The base in Abergavenny is the go-to point for residents of Monmouth, Usk, Raglan and surrounding areas.

The charity gives support in a range of ways, from emotional help, to financial. They can answer any question an ex-serviceperson may have, and can even work to apply for funding on their behalf, for a range of reasons.

One family who recently received help from the charity, were Mr Leonard Harbottle and his partner.

The ex-Serviceman from the RAF received help from the charity to make his home more accessible.

Mr Leonard Harbottle served in the RAF for 29 years, finally retiring in 2005.

Following the affects of his partner's disabling condition, he had applied, and was given permission to extend his house, converting the garage into a downstairs bedroom with ensuite bathroom facilities.

SSAFA got involved in this case in February 2015, when it became apparent that the allocated funding for Mr Harbottle's renovations was not sufficient to cover the work needed following advice from the occupational therapist at SSAFA.

However, he was able to upgrade the facilities, after SSAFA applied for the money through the RAF benevolent fund.

"I'm really happy with SSAFA, they made the application to the RAF benevolent fund for me and here we are with the job done." said Mr Harbottle.

Contact the Abergavenny branch, run by volunteers, on 01873 855310. Alternatively, you can contact the Gwent SSAFA division, based at Raglan Barracks in Newport, on 01633 264350.