REGIMENTAL secretaries from across the North-East, North West and Scotland have visited Phoenix House recovery centre in Catterick Garrison so they can spread the word to veterans in their associations.

Up to 15 regimental secretaries as well as members of the Scottish Veterans’ Residences attended an open day to see the facilities on offer at the Help for Heroes funded centre.

The £10.7 million purpose-built recovery centre was officially opened last year and provides support for Wounded, Injured and Sick serving personal and veterans, with 46 en-suite bedrooms, four family rooms and top-of-the-range kitchens for residents to use.

The open day included presentations by a number of Phoenix House staff as well as military personnel. There was also a discussion time to receive feedback from the visitors.

Major (Retd) Chris Lawton, Durham secretary for the Rifles, said the facilities were fantastic for veterans and serving soldiers alike.

He said: “To see what’s available now to our injured soldiers is brilliant. During Northern Ireland and Bosnia, there was nothing like this available. We have 31 amputees and three are triple amputees in our association and this is just tremendous for them to access.

“Our injured need help now and then, in another five to 10 years, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder will set in and that’s going to be an unknown number.”

For information on getting support from the centre contact Lawrence Mannion on 01748-834148 or email lawrence.mannion@helpforheroes.org.uk or catterick.supporthub@helpforheroes.org.uk