Standing Together: Why Gloucestershire Needs A Permanent Support Hub for Veterans and Armed Forces Families

In the heart of Gloucestershire, where military history runs deep—from the Glorious Glosters to the NATO HQ at Imjin Barracks—there lies a community of veterans and armed forces families who have given so much, yet often find themselves navigating civilian life with limited support. While initiatives like the Gloucestershire Forces Hub (FHub) and SSAFA Gloucestershire are making commendable strides, the need for more permanent, accessible, and comprehensive support services is more pressing than ever.

The FHub, a monthly gathering supported by Gloucester County Council, offers a lifeline to veterans, reservists, and their families. It provides a space to combat loneliness, access welfare advice, and connect with services like the Royal British Legion, SSAFA, and Op Courage. The recent Glos-FHub Pop-Up at Eastgate Shopping Centre was a vibrant example of what’s possible when community, care, and coordination come together.

But these pop-ups and monthly meetups, while valuable, are not enough. Veterans need permanent, year-round hubs—safe spaces where they can access mental health support, housing advice, financial guidance, and social connection without delay or disruption.

Homelessness among veterans remains a national concern, and Gloucestershire is no exception. Organisations like Alabare are doing vital work, but more supported housing options and wraparound services are needed. Veterans transitioning from service life often struggle with tenancy, employment, and benefits systems—areas where a dedicated hub could provide tailored, ongoing support.

The shift from military to civilian life can be financially disorienting. Veterans may face challenges with budgeting, debt, or understanding civilian employment contracts. GL Communities inclusion of debt advice experts and employment support programs is a step in the right direction, but these services need to be expanded and made permanent. Financial literacy workshops, one-on-one coaching, and digital inclusion training could empower veterans to regain control and confidence.

Gloucestershire has the passion, the history, and the community spirit to lead the way in veteran support. But it needs more investment, more permanent infrastructure, and more collaboration between local councils, NHS services, and military charities.

Let’s not wait for another pop-up to remind us of the need. Let’s build a future where every veteran and armed forces family in Gloucestershire knows they are seen, supported, and never alone.