Veterans' Café Events Planned Across the Borough
Initiative aims to connect former members of the armed forces
Attendees at a previousHounslow Veterans' Cafe. Picture: Hounslow Council
February 6, 2024
Hounslow Council is supporting an initiative which organises a number of veterans’ cafes in order to help connect local former members of the Armed Forces with comrades old and new. The scheme seems to have already found some success with a recent event on 19 January seeing 54 people showing up to take part.
The aim of the veterans’ cafes is not just to allow a space for people to socialise but also to help raise awareness of the support available to ex-soldiers. This includes guests who are invited to give advice to veterans at meetings.
Recently Viktor Bata, an Armed Forces champion from the Department of Work and Pensions, and Andrew Gayle, the Employer Recognition Scheme lead from the Ministry of Defence, provided advice, and offered guidance about help available to veterans. Cllr Ajmer Grewal, Cabinet Member for Safety and Regulatory Services, hosted the Veterans’ Café, she said: “It was a pleasure to meet some of the borough’s veterans at our friendly, relaxed event.
“The café idea came about after I heard an interview with an Armed Forces veteran on the radio. I was inspired by his story and the outcomes he’d achieved, resulting from connections he’d made at his local veterans’ café. I am delighted that we are now able to welcome local veterans to café events in Hounslow.
“I would encourage residents who have served in the Armed Forces, to come along to a future event.”
Cllr Grewal With Chelsea Pensioner. Picture: Hounslow Council
Further veterans’ café events are planned across the borough:
• Southville Community Centre, Bedfont: February 9, 10am to 12.30pm.
• Isleworth Royal British Legion: February 13, 6pm to 8.30pm.
• Southville Community Centre, Bedfont: February 23, 10am to 12.30pm.
• Isleworth Royal British Legion: February 24, 10am to 12.30pm.
• Café at Chiswick House and Gardens: March 2, 2pm to 4pm
Hounslow residents who have served in the Armed Forces can email community.cohesion@hounslow.gov.uk to find out about and confirm their attendance at future events.
Rory Bennett - Local Democracy Reporter