ARK Armed Forces Hub for Somerset

ARK is delighted to have been chosen by NHS Somerset ICB as one of two Armed Forces Hubs in Somerset, alongside Arc, Taunton.

We work with and support serving personnel, veterans and their families to provide timely and holistic support to those who are in need. We act as a conduit for partner organisations to offer multiple areas of support, whether financial, physical, emotional or psychological, but will ensure that the needs of the whole family are considered.

We have a number of ex-service personnel or families of those serving, working at ARK; two of which are qualified social workers – Jon Richards (24yrs served), our Armed Forces Lead, and Nigel Bell (28yrs served) were in the Royal Navy (CEO) both having worked in military welfare, Since January 2024, when our service was introduced, we have been overwhelmed by the response from those needing support, and have now recruited a third team member at ARK supporting the whole of Somerset. 

Jon Richards, our Armed Forces Lead is now supported by two Armed Forces Link Workers, Lyndsay Swan, predominantly covering the Bridgwater and the Sedgemoor Region and Sam Sheppard covering Mendip and East Somerset. 

We run AFOS’s (Armed Forces Outreach Services) across the county,  giving local people an opportunity to bring people together to connect and to receive professional advice and support if needed. At these events we bring together a number of services that offer targeted support ie ex forces charities (SSAFA, RBL etc), village agents, solicitors, the DWP, sustainable energy, nhs services, companies breakfast clubs.NHS specialist services, breakfast clubs, companies in the area etc, but most of all they offer an opportunity for social engagement and peer support.

On a wednesday morning from 10am, we host a coffee and breakfast bap session, here at ARK; this provides a regular meeting place and support network for like-minded people, who may be struggling with lack of social connections, purpose or support.

For more information, please contact jo*@*********od.com or call the office on 01460 391974

We are very grateful to NHS SomersetÂ