Photo of Gloucester Community at the GL3 Community Hub

Gloucester Community Networking

Better Together



forceshub

GCN's Forces' Hub (FHUB)

What is the FHUB?

The ‘FORCES HUB' is a NEW Gloucestershire monthly group that hopes to strengthen the networking knowledge of the Veterans' groups that are already offering social and welfare support to Veterans in the county.

The ‘FHUB’ will provide an accessible venue for all the Armed Forces Communities no matter if they are still serving, Reservists, Veterans and also for their families (including the multinational units and their families based in our great county).

printable version
Forces Hub Flyer

When and Where?

The FHUB meets on the last Thursday of each month in the GL3 Community Hub », Cheltenham Road East (opposite Tesco).

The FHUB's Aims

The "FHUB’s" aims are to offer networking opportunities for the following areas:

  1. Combat loneliness
  2. Provide information on Military and Civilian Services and Charities both national and with local partnerships
  3. Understanding the benefits of the Armed Forces Covenant
  4. Homeless Veterans - their training and employment
  5. Discussions on supporting county organisations with Armed Forces Champions

Gloucestershire has a rich military history of the Glorious Glosters, RAF Innsworth, HMS Gloucester, Airfields and Munitions Factories of WW1 & WW2 leading up to the current 6 military bases including a multinational HQ ARRC (Allied Rapid Reaction Corps) NATO Base in Innsworth called IMJIN Barracks and the newly formed ‘Gurkha Support Battalion’ as part of HQ ARRC.

Timings

12:30 - 14:00hrs:

Part One will begin with a ‘Lunch & Learn’ session that is aimed at offering a welcoming, informal and informative environment, starting with prearranged Topics of Interests that have been suggested by members of the Armed Forces Communities in Gloucestershire.

There will be a £4 meal deal from the GL3 Community Hub , Garden Café (sandwich, hot or cold drink). However, you do not have to purchase a lunch to take part in the ‘FHUB’!

14:00 - 16:00hrs:

Part Two will just offer a space to share a ‘Brew or Wet’ (British Military slang for hot drinks) and some biscuits with old friends and hopefully making new ones (Room Hire, refreshments and lunch is funded by a Community Grant from The National Lottery (May 2022 - May 2023).

Interview rooms

Addtionally, the FORCES HUB has hired a private room for interviews or meetings with organisations (e.g., Royal British Legion / SSAFA / Op Courage etc) with serving Military Personnel both Regular & Reservists), Veterans and their family members of all nationalities.

To book a private room for the above, pleaes contact Christopher Auker-Howlett.

Background to the setting up of the ‘FHUB’

The group has been set up by Chris Auker-Howlett », who is a disabled British Army Veteran, qualified Social Worker, volunteer with Alabare » (Homeless Veterans) and a Combat Stress » Rep for the county.

Chris aims to continue to seek feedback from members of the Gloucestershire Armed Forces communities to ensure that FHUB topics are relevant, informative and supportive.

National Lottery Community Fund

The FORCES HUB received a 12 month grant from the National Lottery Community Fund from May 2022 - April 2023.

This grant supported 12 months of room hire, hire of additional rooms for county FORCES HUB Networking events, combating isolation with training and access to computers, trip to the National Arboretum for Veterans with disabilities and carers, advertisment, printing and guest speakers.

As the above grant has now ended, GCN cover the cost of Room Hire. We are looking to secure another Community Grant in 2024, which will enable us to provide another Veterans' trip to another location in the South East of the UK around May 2024.

Link to the National Lottery Community Fund

Other Links

Homelessness

If you are leaving the armed services, or have already left, you may qualify for additional assistance if you become homeless. Find out more by clicking HERE »

Other Services for Serving Military / Veterans

Herefordshire Veteran's Support Centre has a very useful website » for ex-serving Military Personnel who are making the transition from Service to Civvy Street and the the council » have produced a booklet » packed with useful information. Although produced by Herefordshire Council, there is lots of general informaiton about UK-wide services that are availalbe.

NHS Priority Treatment

All veterans are entitled to priority NHS care. However, this is subject to clinical need, which means you would not necessarily jump ahead of anyone with a higher clinical need. It is important to notify your GP so that the correct Medical Military Code can be entered on your medical records. Find out more information by clicking HERE »

Veteran Support Services - South Gloucestershire

New Veteran Support Services, commissioned by South Gloucestershire Council, have been launched to provide help to local men and women who have served in the country’s armed forces. For more information, click HERE »

Employment in the Hospitality Industry

Only a Pavement Away » is a chartiy that aims to help individuals who are homeless, ex-offenders or veterans who are strugling to find work, find employment in the hospitality, pub and restaurant industry.

Blind Veterans UK

Blind Veterans UK » aims to provide high quality national support to blind veterans as and where they need it, such as Rehabilitation & Training » and Nursing & Social Care services » at their centres in Brighton and Llandudno and a whole range of clubs, societies and activities », in order to help them achieve independence and fulfillment, transforming their lives.