Safe Space
A safe space for everyone
Tommy's Lounge is designed and operated as a Veteran friendly safe space. Keep reading to understand more about how we have adapted Tommy's Lounge to better serve those who have sworn allegiance to the crown at some point in their lives. Tommy's Lounge believes in pastoral care and peer support.
Tommy's Lounge isn't just for veterans. We welcome everyone, and is a safe space for everyone. We have simply focused on the Veteran community due to the lack of representation at present. That said, irrespective of who may be in crisis and need a friendly ear or signposting we are always available.
Tommy’s Lounge CiC is a self funded, not for profit, safe space for all. Especially those with a military connection (Veterans and their Families). Suicide rates amongst veterans is considerably higher than their civilian counterparts, and we work tirelessly to provide peer to peer support, work shops, gatherings, days out etc away from alcohol and drugs!
Please help us continue to save lives on a daily basis!
Seating
Tommy's Lounge has the majority of its comfortable seating around the edges of the room looking into the room. Over 90% of our seating is positioned in such a way as to allow a clear line of sight to the entrance and counter. Veterans, especially those who served on OP Banner find it difficult to sit with their backs to the room or entrance.
The limited seating with restricted views still ensure that people can see into the room and can see people as soon as they enter the premises.
Atmosphere
Highly qualified and motivated professionals
Tommy's Lounge is a relaxed atmosphere, whilst the counter can get busy at times especially around rush-hour and lunchtime, the seating area is always much more relaxed and positioned in a way that you can relax, unwind and watch the world go by whilst chatting with friends, other customers or just enjoy a good book. We don't force people out, you can sit there for as long as you like and enjoy your food and drink.
Decor
Our walls are festooned with donated military memorabilia, many visiting veterans have commented about the great memories it makes them recall seeing some of the items on display. When you visit spend some time looking around and see if anything brings back memories for you.
We are always happy to accept new donations of memorabilia. If you have something you would like to donate to Tommy's Lounge please contact us. We would love to have enough to be able to rotate our displays meaning there is always something new on display in Tommy's Lounge in the future.
Tommy's Team
All the team at Tommy's Lounge are trained in mental health first aid, and can recognise when someone may be suffering or in crisis. Whilst the team can't solve your problems, they are always happy to sit and listen. Quite often people can feel better just by being able to talk to someone. If you would like more assistance then Tommy's team can signpost you to services in your area that may be able to better support someone in your situation.
Mick is a veteran himself and is still continuing his journey with CPTSD. If Mick is in the Lounge then the RSM's Table will be open. Simply take a seat at the RSM's table and Mick will come over and sit down with you.
- No questions
- No judgement
- No objections
Just an ear to listen to you and if you ask for it support and guidance. If Mick is not in due to his other commitments then Jennie or Sue will happily listen to you. Jennie, as a partner of a veteran and founder of Behind the Heroes is well placed and understands veterans better than most people.
Veteran Specific Support
Tommy's Lounge works very closely with Behind the Heroes, the CiC founded and run by Jennie and Mick. This close tie allows the Tommy's Team to offer specific and tailored support and signposting to veterans and their family members, including access to their very own veteran counsellor through Behind the Heroes.
Through Tommy's Lounge and their partnership with Behind the Heroes we can offer signposting and support to organisations across the UK. Through Behind the Heroes we can offer access to;
- Veteran respite camps
- Veteran family camps
- Veteran focused activities like archery, orienteering and more
- Veteran Family activities such as petting zoos
- Organised events and trips such as Leeds Armoury
- Access to a veteran counsellor
- Access to a private veterans Facebook Group for peer support
- Access to self-help material via the behind the heroes website
To find out more about Behind the Heroes please click the button at the bottom of this page.
Veterans can access support from Behind the Heroes anytime via their website.
Tommy's Lounge is a registered CiC in the UK. Number: 14503826
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