‘Practical and stigma-free support point’ available for veterans and blue light workers in Northampton

The Duston Coffee Call takes place from 10am until midday on the third Monday of each month. Attendees are warmly invited to Duston Community Centre on Pendle Road for friendly conversation, to share experiences and be part of a supportive community.

Launched in collaboration with Duston Parish Council, SSAFA and Space 2 Talk, there are people on hand to offer guidance, support and advice should anyone need it.

This initiative is led by Scott Pileckas, who is the project lead for Thames Valley Police’s anti-recidivism programme and he has spent years delivering frontline casework through Citizens Advice.

Scott uses this experience to ensure past and present staff members and their families can ask what they need when they need it, and be guided effectively. He is joined by a retired police commander to offer the best possible service.

Scott said: “This isn’t just a nice cuppa – though it is a welcoming brew – it’s a practical, stigma-free support point where people who spend their lives dealing with emergencies can finally stop, breathe and get help without being treated like a number.

“Attendance has been strong, the response has been exceptional, and the programme has now been renewed through December 2026. We even have a 104-year-old RAF veteran who attends regularly, which speaks to the intergenerational importance of this work.”

SSAFA coffee mornings have become a regulated support hub and the Duston session provides structured signposting and practical assistance for those who need it.

Scott is proud to remain on call at all hours for police and armed services welfare matters. Much of this support is quiet, unseen and conducted at difficult hours when officers are experiencing acute personal crises.