A CEREDIGION-BASED independent support group for war veterans is filling the void left by the big national charities, according to its founder.

Chris Standen, 60, spent nine years in the British Army, during which he served extensively in Northern Ireland in the conflict known as The Troubles.

As with many veterans, Chris has been left with mental scars and still lives with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

But Chris said west Wales is “sadly lacking” in support for veterans, and, along with his wife Tammy, Chris started a support group called Veteran to Veteran in 2016 to provide a support network and socialisation opportunities for veterans.

“We are a community interest company rather than a fully fledged charity,” Chris explained to the Cambrian News this week.

“We started it because west Wales is sadly lacking in facilities for veterans.

“The biggest national forces charities aren’t active in Wales, although they still fundraise here.

“We started the club as a way of doing our bit, and now we have got between 10 and 20 people who come out every time we go out.

“A percentage do live with PTSD, but a lot of it is hidden.”

Chris explained that the group’s main activity is to meet and go fishing, which acts as a means for bringing people together and to help resolve any issues the veterans may have.

“I started fishing as a way of coping because of how relaxing it is. Then we had a bit of a group going when a few veterans would come together, and it grew from that,” he said.

“We are a group of people who get together and share the banter, and if anyone has got any issues, that gets dealt with.

“A lot of people don’t ask for help because they are too proud.”

See the full story in this week’s south edition