AN ARMED forces support hub which offers support for those who have served has launched a facility to help those with alcohol or drug problems.

The SAMS Armed Forces Hub meets for a breakfast club at the Red V Cafe Bar at Saints’ stadium every Thursday morning.

It also offers support for things including housing, finance, welfare and employment for regulars, reservists, ex-forces, veterans and their families.

Now the organisation is to help another target audience and has opened a dry bar and eatery, set up near the borough’s boundary on Heath Road, Ashton in Makerfield.

SAMS founder Samatha Thompson explains the venue is intended to help people access outreach support groups, provide peer to peer support and gain a sense of belonging.

Providing an alcohol-free environment, numerous activities are to be offered and themed nights, such as acoustic evenings, quiz nights and live entertainment.

Samantha said: “The dry bar was launched to provide a fun friendly safe venue for people with drug and alcohol and mental health issues.

“This has been a key project for SAMS and taken a long time to get running.

“SAMS was set up to help veterans gain a sense of community and access support to help them move forward and gain a sense of independence.”

Yvonne Fovargue, MP for Makerfield, made a visit to the premises on Friday (May 24).

Veteran Tony Williams, from Blackbrook, added: “I think it’s a brilliant idea.

“SAMS in St Helens has given a home for veterans and now is giving a home for another target audience to get a sense of community again.

“It is something positive coming out of St Helens.”

See samshub.org for more and ‘like’ @SAMSDryBarEatery on Facebook.