A NEW support group for military veterans has been set up in Stroud.

The group, called Last Rendezvous, was set up over two months ago and they are partnering up with the charity P3, who look to improve the lives of vulnerable people.

The group’s founder, Oliver Edwards, a former member of the 1st Battalion of the Royal Gloucestershire Berkshire and Wiltshire regiment, believes Last Rendezvous will be vital for local veterans.

“I’ve noticed there’s a gap between the local communities and the veterans groups and there is no veterans group in Stroud.”

Oliver served in the province in Northern Ireland. After leaving, he was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, as well as other mental health conditions.

He believes the new group will be vital for local veterans in the Five Valleys.

“If you don’t drive and you have issues and then travelling to Bristol for support can be a trauma,” he said.

“The next issue that we’ve had is that we’ve all been homeless at some stage, so it really hasn’t been easy for us.”

Oliver believes the group will be key in providing a brighter future for veterans like himself.

“We want to create a hub of safety for ex-veterans and their families,” he said. “My PTSD and issues don’t just impact me, they impact my family, my friends, my children and my job. I’ve lost many jobs because of the situation.”

Stroud’s Labour Party candidate in the upcoming election David Drew is currently working with the group after meeting with the Veterans Welfare Service.

The group are currently using the Salvation Army building in Acre Street in Stroud to hold their meetings on Monday evenings at 7pm.

“If there are veterans locally that I can help, then that’s the reason we are here. Part of helping them helps me with my own recovery because I know what it’s like to be at the bottom, because I’ve been there,” said Oliver.

“Even now we’ve done two local projects with the Salvation Army, and we’re now doing another project for the food bank and hopefully working with other agencies soon enough.

“Hopefully we can do something with the community, within the county and then within the country.”

To get in touch with the group, contact Ollie on, 07534027192.