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Determined campaigner Eileen Massey has been battling for almost two years to establish Veterans Unite, but has been dogged by problems locating suitable headquarters.

However, now she has secured temporary use of a shop on Bridge Street, Mansfield town centre, where she can boost her fundraising for the group and invite veterans for supportive chats.

“I will be selling all kinds of items,” said Eileen, aged 65, who is retired. “I have also met two veterans from Mansfield, one of whom is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after leaving the Army.

Eileen Massey at the ceremony to officially open her Veterans Unite shop on Bridge Street, Mansfield. Cutting the ribbon is Jay Rowlinson, chief executive officer of Mansfield BID who is a former Army major, watched by Cllr Sid Walker, of the district council.

“The other used to get help from local councillor Brian Lohan, who sadly died at Christmas.”

Eileen hopes the skills she gained during her time as a mental-health nurse can help former servicemen and women who have served their country in war-ravaged countries.

Many find it difficult to make the transition from battlefield back to civilian life and suffer flashbacks and extreme anxiety. Some turn to drink and drugs, while others end up homeless.

Veterans Unite is now recognised as a community interest company and is eligible to apply for grants, such as business support funding.

Determined campaigner Eileen Massey outside the new base for her Veterans Unite group, which supports struggling former servicemen and women.

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Her new base is a fireworks shop, owned by Dave Butler, who has let Eileen have it for a small weekly rent until the start of the next Bonfire Night season in October.

“It is not really big enough for everything I’d like, including a drop-in centre and a café, but it’s a start,” said a grateful Eileen.

The base was officially opened by Jay Rowlinson, Mansfield Business Improvement District chief executive officer, who spent 32 years in the Armed Forces, rising to the Army rank of major.

Eileen enjoying a laugh on the opening day of the shop with Cllr Sid Walker (left) and Sgt Gordon Hardy, of Mansfield's Army Reserve Centre (right)

Also present were Sergeant Gordon Hardy, of the Army Reserve Centre on Bath Street, and Coun Sid Walker and Coun Mick Barton, of Mansfield Council, who have been big supporters of Veterans Unite, Sid Walker and Mick Barton.

Eileen plans more fundraising on the reserve centre’s promotional stand at Mansfield Market on March 8, April 26 and May 17, and via a bucket collection at Mansfield Town Football Club’s home game against Leyton Orient at the One Call Stadium on Saturday, March 11.

The shop is open Thursdays-Saturdays, from 10am-2pm.

Support group for traumatised veterans finds a base in Mansfield at last