NOT-FOR-PROFIT organisation Got Your Six UK CIC has been awarded just under £20,000 in National Lottery funding to support its work with the military community across Somerset.

The Wincanton Community Hub, founded by military spouse and therapist Tara Coyles-Gould, offers services to serving personnel, veterans, and their families.

The grant will cover core costs such as rent and utilities for the next six months, and subsidise therapy for the military community.

Ms Coyles-Gould said: "We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way.

"Now, thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to guarantee our Community Hub stays open and is able to continue providing low-cost trauma-informed military specific therapy."

The organisation, which began in 2022, operates with two part-time staff and volunteers who are serving personnel, veterans, and military spouses.

It offers immediate access to support for those experiencing service-related mental health issues, bridging a gap in the community where waiting lists for appropriate therapy are 12 to 24 months.

A Got Your Six UK service user, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "After my discharge from the hospital, I started working with Tara from Got Your Six UK; her support has been invaluable in helping me to reconnect with life and rediscover hope for the future."

The Community Hub is open Tuesday 10am to 1pm, Wednesday to Friday 10am to 4pm, and Saturday 10am to 2pm, with evening and weekend events advertised on the website and social media pages.