Backing local veterans' charity Christmas single

Credit: Jenny Rogers

Alistair Strathern, MP for Hitchin, is urging residents to get behind a new charity Christmas single released by local veterans' organisation The Muster Point.

Based in Stevenage, The Muster Point is a veteran-led community group that provides peer support, regular meetups and practical assistance to members of the Armed Forces community across the surrounding area.

This winter, the charity has joined forces with the Chicksands and Henlow Military Wives Choir to release a Christmas single, We're Still Here, which aims to highlight the lasting impact of military service on veterans and their families.

The project was led by former British Army Royal Engineer Stu Mendelson, who co-founded The Muster Point after overcoming his own struggles following service in Afghanistan. He has brought together veterans from The Muster Point and Veterans in Crisis Sunderland alongside singers from Military Wives Choirs to support the three groups.

The single hopes to remind people that while conflicts may disappear from the headlines, their consequences don't.

Speaking in Parliament last week, Alistair thanked The Muster Point for their work and encouraged members of the public and members of the House to support the single. His remarks were echoed by Leader of the House, Sir Alan Campbell.

Alongside supporting the single, Alistair has been working with the group and Stevenage MP Kevin Bonavia to press the Government to consider funding a new veteran's hub for the area, ran in partnership with The Muster Point.

Alistair Strathern MP said: "The Muster Point provides vital support to veterans and their families across our community, helping those who have served our country to access the support they deserve.

"This winter, they're joining forces with the brilliant Chicksands and Henlow Military Wives Choir to release a fantastic Christmas single in support of their work.

"We're Still Here is a powerful reminder that the impact of service doesn't end when the headlines move on.

"I encourage everyone who can to get behind this wonderful project and help drive the single up the charts."

We're Still Here will be released at 11am on Armistice Day, 11 November.