Supporting our Armed Forces – new funding secured for local Veterans’ Hubs

Announcing the funding during Armed Forces Week (22-27 June), Hampshire County Council’s Armed Forces Champion and Executive Member for Communities, Partnerships and External Affairs, Councillor Andrew Joy, said: “Armed Forces Week is an important opportunity for us to shine a light on the valuable work that is taking place to not only support our Forces community, but also help those who have previously served. I am delighted that through our partnership work with community groups and other local authorities, we have been able to improve access to these crucial resources across the County.

“Hampshire is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the UK, so these Hubs will provide a vital lifeline – ensuring access to advice, support and services under one roof, as well as opportunities for veterans to connect. Now more than ever, it’s important they can easily access the support they need.”

The funding has been awarded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund as part of Forces Connect South East Veterans’ Hubs project – designed to increase support for veterans across the south east.

Groups awarded funding in Hampshire include:

• Hayling Island, Hayling Voluntary Services (Good Neighbours Network) – Hayling Voluntary Services’ volunteers will be developing their existing group into a Veterans’ Hub, ensuring improved access to services for veterans in the area.
• Wecock Farm / Veterans Outreach Support (VOS) – VOS will be establishing a new Veterans’ Hub at the Acorn Community Centre, Wecock Farm.
• Bordon, Radian, Veterans Breakfast Café – The community café at Bordon will be enhancing and expanding their existing group, to become a Veterans’ Hub.
• Aldershot Military Museum – Further development of the existing veterans’ work they have been providing.
•  Gurkha Veterans’ Hub at Farnborough Library – Rushmoor Healthy Living will be setting up a new monthly Gurkha Veterans’ Hub at Farnborough Library.
•  Ringwood Library – Ringwood Library is working in partnership with the Forest Arts Centre to offer initiatives to veterans in Ringwood and the surrounding areas.

To find out how Hampshire County Council can support you with Covenant funding, visit https://www.hants.gov.uk/community/armedforces.

To find your local Veterans’ Hub, visit https://www.asdic.org.uk/ and https://www.afvbc.net/.