THE ROYAL British Legion has launched welfare drop-in sessions for members of the armed forces in Guiseley.

Advice and Information Officer Ian Wilson from The Royal British Legion will be based at the Guiseley Job Centre and Red Lion pub each month to give advice and support to Serving personnel, veterans and their dependants.

Ian said: "My welfare sessions in Guiseley are part of the Legion’s mission to bring our services closer to those who need it most. I’ll be available for face to face meetings to discuss any issues, so please do take the opportunity to call in if you need advice on housing support, welfare, managing personal finances plus much more."

Since December 2013, the Legion has opened 15 pop in centres in cities and towns across the UK as part of the charity’s biggest transformation in its 93 year history. Each centre offers the chance for Service personnel and veterans to get practical help and advice, and for members of the public to find out more about the wide range of services and community activities provided by the Legion.

The Legion decided to change its way of working after research conducted in 2005 and 2010 into the demographic and long-term needs of the Armed Forces community. Respondents said it was difficult to find the help they needed, either because of not knowing who to go to and what services were on offer, or because this information was hard to access.

Debbie Harding, the Legion’s Area Manager for Yorkshire, added: "Both nationally and locally, the Legion recognises that the profile of our beneficiaries is constantly changing and that we must continue to improve our services to reflect that need.

"After recent changes at the Legion, beneficiaries can now pick up the phone to a trained adviser via our national Freephone number, look online for information or come along to our welfare sessions in Guiseley where they can talk face to face with our team."

Monthly welfare sessions will be held on the second Tuesday of each month from 7.30pm to 9.30, at the Red Lion, on Towngate. Monthly drop in sessions will also be held at Guiseley Job Centre, Alva House, Otley Road, from 10am to 4pm, starting on Tuesday, June 16.