THE PILOT of a new initiative designed to understand how veterans and their dependants feel about the support available will take place.

On Wednesday, January 23 at 12pm, the Yorkshire and Humber Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee will hold its first two-hour long coffee morning-style 'beer call' at the Wetherspoons Unicorn Hotel in Ripon.

It is hoped, the session will allow the regional committee to assess how effectively the Armed Forces Covenant is being delivered, whilst listening to concerns veterans have about existing help and support.

The Armed Forces Covenant was set up to help local authorities and charities deliver support to both, serving members and veterans.

The committee said 'anecdotal' evidence had suggested that veteran personnel and their dependants were often unaware of help available to them.

Alex Baxter chair of the Yorkshire and Humber Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee said: "We provide a unique, independent, view that government take seriously and want to find out what your concerns are so that we can advocate them to people who can make a difference."

The committee said that several approaches to try and assess veterans needs had been used, but the beer call's informal approach could help.

Chris Allen manager of the Unicorn Inn added: “We are delighted that members of the Yorkshire and Humber Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee are meeting at The Unicorn Hotel in Ripon.

"We trust their visit will be enjoyable and thank them for choosing our pub.”