AN MS has praised work by veterans to support fellow veterans and their families.

Darren Millar, MS for Clwyd West, visited Adferiad Recovery in Colwyn Bay to discuss the Change Step initiative, which offers well-being and social support to ex-Armed Forces personnel across Wales.

It is open to retired full-time and reserve servicepeople, who can access vital support from peer mentors who use their own experiences to confront challenges in people’s lives and manage their journeys of recovery.

During the visit Mr Millar met with Geraint Jones, director of Change Step, and Clive Wolfendale, chair of Adferiad Recovery, which supports people who depend on drink or drugs to cope with chronic mental illness.

“Life can be extremely challenging for veterans as they return to civilian life and we owe it to them to ensure they have access to the very best services and support,” said Mr Millar.

“Change Step is certainly delivering on that front, with research showing that every pound spent on Change Step results in around £7 in social benefits – including better wellbeing, reduced loneliness and more settled home life for veterans, and savings to health services.

“The team is doing phenomenal work and as we celebrate our Armed Forces this week, it is also important that we also appreciate and applaud the team at Change Step for all they are doing to support our veterans and their families.

“it was great to meet with Geraint and Clive to discuss the latest work of Change Step and I personally thank them and the team for all they are doing.”

Armed Forces Week is a national celebration of our Armed Forces organised by the Ministry of Defence. This year, celebrations have been taking place from the June 21 to June 27, with Armed Forces Day on June 26.