Armed Forces Community Support Hub launches

After months of planning, an Armed Forces Community Support Hub has been opened in Beaufort House, Exeter with the formal ribbon cutting ceremony performed by the HM Lord-Lieutenant, Sir Eric Dancer KCVO CBE JP.

The Hub is a new ‘one stop shop’ supporting the Armed Forces community in Devon including all serving personnel, reservists, veterans and their families. It is built on a unique partnership between SSAFA,  St Loye’s Foundation and The Royal British Legion. 

Speaking on behalf of the participating charities, Group Captain Robin Chambers, Chairman of SSAFA Devon, said: “The Hub aims to draw together under one roof the service providers, agencies, organisations and charities that assist military personnel with housing, employment, welfare, health and wellbeing. This will promote inter-agency working and improve access to services, information and advice for the Armed Services community.”

Former Royal Marines Major Richard Rochester, Transitions Manager at St Loye’s Foundation, said:  “There is a great deal of support available to serving and former Armed Forces personnel and their families but knowing who to go to for what support and where can be challenging. The Hub aims to ensure that people gain access to the most appropriate support for their needs as quickly and easily as possible.  All they need to do to get things started is to drop in to The Hub or to contact the Duty Manager by e-mail or phone.”

The Hub is supported by grants from the Armed Forces Community Covenant and Exeter Board. It is envisaged that it will be utilised by numerous organisations that provide support to serving personnel, veterans and their families.

The launch event on Friday 11 April featured displays of the many charities, service providers and organisations involved in veterans' affairs. It also provided a networking opportunity and the chance for guests to look around the Hub.

The Hub will be open every weekday excluding bank holidays from 10am to 4pm. It is located in Beaufort House, 51 New North Road, Exeter, EX4 4EP.