NORTH Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin visited Woody’s Lodge in Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay on May 10 to learn more about the organisation’s work with Armed Forces veterans, and see how money taken from criminals is being used.

Woody’s Lodge is a communications and social hub for veterans, emergency services personnel, reservists and their families, and has bases in North and South Wales.

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It was one of the winners of the “Your Community, Your Choice” funding awards, and the grant is helping to part-fund a support officer for Armed Forces veterans who are homeless and have been released from prison, or have been through the judicial system.

While at the drop-in session, Mr Dunbobbin met veterans being supported by the organisation, as well as Woody’s Lodge chief executive, Graham Jones; and support officer, Alexandra Woodward.

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Mr Dunbobbin said: “It was an honour to visit Woody’s Lodge and to see their vital work at first hand.

“Their project aims to prevent re-offending by helping veterans to reintegrate into the community, in turn helping to reduce social isolation, improve self-esteem, and give a sense of purpose.

“It's very fitting that the funding for Your Community, Your Choice should come partly from money seized from criminals, which shows that these funds can be put to good use for the benefit of the wider community.”

Graham Jones added: “It was a pleasure to welcome the PCC to Woody’s Lodge and show him the work we are doing in the community.

“We were delighted to be selected in the public vote for the Your Community Your Choice grant.

“The Veterans community in North Wales will not only benefit from the award but it shows that there is support in the general community for our former service men and women.

“Veterans often feel that they do not fit in with their local communities and the success of Woody’s Lodge in this public vote goes a long way to proving public support for their service in the HM Armed Forces.”

Your Community, Your Choice is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2023.

In the last ten years, more than £500,000 has been awarded to more than 150 projects working to reduce crime in their areas and to support the priorities in the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan.

The funding for Your Community, Your Choice comes partly from money seized by the courts through the Proceeds of Crime Act, with the rest from the PCC.