New Armed Forces hub opens in Walsall
A new monthly drop-in service has been launched in Walsall to provide support for serving military personnel, veterans and their families
A new Armed Forces hub has opened at the ground floor of Lichfield Street Hub Library, offering advice and access to specialist services for people across the military community.
The hub has been launched by Walsall Council in partnership with military charity Stepway CIO.
It will open to the public for the first time on Thursday, October 8, and will then run on the second Thursday of every month from 1pm to 4pm. No appointment is needed.
Support will cover issues including housing, employment, mental health, social isolation and the transition from military to civilian life.
The hub was officially launched by the Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Alan Fleming, on Wednesday, September 23, with representatives from the council, charities and other organisations attending.
Councillor Pete Sutton, the council's Armed Forces Champion, said the hub would provide “a reliable point of contact” for serving personnel, veterans and their families.
Neil Binder, regional coordinator at Stepway CIO, said the service was intended to make support easier to access.
“Too often, people wait until crisis point or get passed from service to service,” he said. “At this hub, they won't become another number or referral, they will be welcomed by a real person who listens, understands, and provides the support they need.”
Walsall Council was awarded a Gold Award in the Ministry of Defence's Employer Recognition Scheme in July for its support for the Armed Forces community.