REGULAR events are being staged to ensure that war veterans do not “drop through the cracks” and end up feeling forgotten.

Retired Brigadier Robin Draper, president of the Oxford branch of the Royal Green Jackets Association, is determined that veterans and their families should receive as much support as possible.

He is highlighting a number of veterans’ outreach groups where former servicemen can meet up on a regular basis.

Mr Draper, who lives in Sutton Courtenay, said: “At the Oxfordshire Veterans Forum, as part of its support for the Armed Forces Covenant, we are trying to widen access for veterans to expert help.

“Too many veterans are dropping through the cracks and don’t get the early access to help they deserve.

“There is no reason now why any veteran in Oxfordshire cannot access support for whatever problem they are facing.

“There are now three ‘Veterans Outreach’ groups in the county which provide monthly meeting where veterans can raise any issues they have with experts, as well as providing an opportunity to socialise with other veterans facing similar issues.”

Several times a year the Oxford branch of the Royal Green Jackets Association organises reunion dinners for veterans and these are sometimes held at Dalton Barracks in Abingdon.

Mr Draper said expert advice was available from the Veterans Welfare Service, particularly on pensions, as well as from the Royal British Legion, Combat Stress, the Armed Forces charity SSAFA, Help for Heroes and other organisations including Aspire Oxford, a charity addressing employment issues.

Oxford City Veterans Outreach meets at the Barton Neighbourhood Centre, Underhill Circus, Headington, from 10am to 1pm on the fourth Monday of each month.

The Upper Heyford and Bicester Veterans Group meets from 10am to 2pm on the first Friday of each month at the Heyford Park Community Centre in Brice Road Upper Heyford.

Mission Motorsport, The Forces’ Motorsport Charity, runs a community initiative which meets at motoring and aviation centre Bicester Heritage on the third Wednesday of each month from 09.30am to 12.30pm. For more visit oxfordcityveteransgroup@gmail.com, heyfordandbicesterveterans@gmail.com and team@missionmotorsport.org