Armed Forces Community Hubs
There are around 8,000 number of serving and ex serving Armed Forces personnel living in Shropshire.
In 2019 the Council along with Citizens Advice Telford and the Wrekin set up its ‘Armed Forces Community Hubs’ thanks to the borough’s Armed Forces Covenant Trust.
The hubs take place at different locations across the borough 2-3 times per week (under normal circumstances) and provide free help and support to currently serving armed forces members, veterans, reservists and their families. At the moment due to social distancing measures the hubs currently take place virtually every Tuesday from 11am lasting 1-2 hours.
This Armed Forces Day we have spoken to Roger who is an Armed Forces Veteran living in Telford. Roger has been volunteering at the hubs since they were launched last year.
He has told us a little bit about his career and why he enjoys attending.
“Volunteering at the community hubs has given me the chance to meet and talk to other veterans living locally and also those still serving. Not only is it a way to chat over a tea and coffee but I want to use my experience of leaving the military to help others who are transitioning.
“I served for 22 years finishing my career as Warrant Officer in the Royal Army Medical Corps. I have been left now for over 30 years so it is always good to talk to likeminded people and share my experiences with veterans who have left more recently.
“Throughout my careers I was posted all over the world including Australia, Cyprus, Germany and the Falkland’s. One of the highlights of my career was definitely seeing places that I would have not otherwise seen and being posted with my family.
“The comradeship is something I remember fondly and also meeting so many different people - you make friends who stay with you for life.
“My advice to someone joining is to research and have a good understanding of what you want to do. The careers centre is an excellent place to start where you can get lots of advice.
“Upon leaving the military I moved to Telford and continued another great career in Health and Safety but transition to civilian life was still a culture shock which is why I am keep to support other through the Armed Forces Hubs.”
For more information about the virtual hubs or to sign up to the next one please email AFC@telfordcab.co.uk
