A vital support hub for military veterans in Huddersfield is facing the prospect of closure within weeks after a critical funding shortfall left it struggling to cover an outstanding £13,000 bill.

Tommy’s Lounge café on Railway Street in Huddersfield town centre – described by supporters as a lifeline for former service personnel – has issued an urgent appeal for help.

If the funds can’t be secured within the next few weeks to pay off outstanding rent, service charges and buildings insurance, the community venue could be forced to shut permanently.

Tommy’s Lounge is the only dedicated drop-in centre for veterans in Huddersfield, offering a safe space for former servicemen and women to connect, talk and find support and has veered some away from thoughts of ending their own lives.

Tommy’s Lounge was set up by Jennie Thorn, Mick Riley MBE and Jennie’s mum, Sue Longbottom.

Rising costs means it’s been tough to make ends meet with Mick and Jennie making up shortfalls from their own money but this can’t go on which is why the appeal for help has been made on Crowdfunder and things are now starting to look more positive with over £7,000 already pledged.

Mick, a former Regimental Sgt Major, said: “We’ve been chasing our tail financially for a while now so we really need to get these arrears cleared off and we would appeal for anyone to help the appeal with a few pounds if they possibly can. Every pound pledged really does make a difference.’’

Mick is trustee of a charity called Tommy’s Voice which runs from the café and works closely with Kirklees Council to help veterans struggling with housing, benefits, pensions and other issues. He has often helped veterans struggling with suicidal thoughts or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

He said: “If we close down I fear it will cost at least one life, maybe more, as people rely so much on this place so we can’t let that happen.’’

Veteran Mick Hall added: “Tommy’s has been instrumental in me still being here by being able to have a conversation with someone who has walked a similar path to me and understands some of the things we go through on operational tours. That has been unbelievably helpful.’’

The walls of Tommy’s Lounge are filled with military memorabilia, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where veterans and their families can feel at home and provides something many veterans struggle to find after leaving the armed forces – a sense of belonging.

Anyone who can help the funding appeal can donate at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/tommyslounge

Written by ANDY HIRST who runs his own Yorkshire freelance journalism agency AH! PR (https://ah-pr.com/) specialising in press releases, blogging, website content, copywriting and ghost-writing autobiographies.