THE number of people seeking support from a Weymouth hub that supports veterans and the wider community has almost doubled since the start of the pandemic, as more people struggle financially and with mental health issues.

Andy Price, founder of The Veterans Hub, in Portland Road, said before the first lockdown in March, the hub dealt with around 130 users - a figure which has since shot up to around 250.

Mr Price said: "Pre-coronavirus we were helping around 130 veterans as well as others within the wider community.

"Now, we're in touch with around 250 service users helping them with their mental health needs.

"The people we support range from a one-month-old to 97-years-old."

Mr Price said the hub has been forced to close its indoor gym and are only allowing a maximum of eight users in at any one time.

"We have to prioritise people most in need, but we want people to know we offer a wide range of services outside of the hub," said Mr Price.

"We've been helping people with their shopping deliveries, and we also offer advice with alcohol and drug support."

During the first lockdown in March last year, the hub provided 9,000 cooked meals, and during 2020 volunteers have made regular 'doorstep checks' on service users across Dorset, who were self isolating.

"It's been more important than ever to check up on our service users - 60 percent of which have been diagnosed with having some sort of mental health issue," said Mr Price.

"My message to anyone struggling after entering this third lockdown is, if you need support do not hesitate to contact us."

Mr Price founded the hub after being diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety and depression in early 2017 after spending over a decade deploying both as a British Soldier and a Private Contractor.

The hub is a community interest company, funded by a board of trustees, as well as receiving donations from the community.

If you would like to contact the hub, visit: www.theveteranshub.co.uk