Andrew George MP Visits Armed Forces Hub at Culdrose Community Centre

MP Sees Firsthand How Cornwall’s Armed Forces Hubs Are Helping Veterans

Andrew George MP recently visited the Armed Forces Hub at Culdrose Community Centre to meet veterans, serving personnel and organisations providing support to the Armed Forces community across Cornwall.

The visit was hosted by Veterans Regroup CIC, which runs the hub as part of a wider network offering practical support and advice to those connected with the Armed Forces.

A Hub Bringing Support Together

During the visit, Andrew George met members of the Armed Forces community alongside representatives from military charities and third sector organisations delivering services locally.

The hub brings multiple organisations together in one accessible place, helping veterans, reservists, serving personnel and their families access support more easily.

Senior officers from RNAS Culdrose also attended the event. Their presence reflected the collaboration between the Royal Navy, statutory services and community organisations working across Cornwall to support the Armed Forces community.

A Countywide Network of Support

The Culdrose hub is one of nine multi agency Armed Forces Hubs organised each month across Cornwall.

Managed by Veterans Regroup CIC, the network operates in Penryn, Truro, Launceston, Redruth, Newquay, Helston, Penzance and Liskeard as well as at Culdrose Community Centre.

Upcoming sessions include hubs on Tuesday 17th March at Penryn St Gluvias Cricket Club and Friday 20th March at Culdrose Community Centre.

Advice, Health Services and Practical Help

The hubs provide a welcoming, safe and non judgemental environment where members of the Armed Forces community can connect with others and access free face to face advice without appointments or waiting lists.

Support available includes NHS health services, including dental appointments for veterans, housing advice, employment guidance, pensions and benefits support, energy and cost of living advice and community transport.

Education providers also offer reskilling opportunities, while wellbeing activities and peer support aim to help veterans reconnect and reduce social isolation.

More than 30 statutory, military and voluntary sector organisations collaborate across the network to provide coordinated support and reduce barriers to accessing services.

Why Support Matters in Cornwall

According to the 2021 United Kingdom Census, 30,229 people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly previously served in the Armed Forces. This represents 6.3 percent of the population, which is significantly higher than the England average of 3.8 percent.

Research by Cornwall Council Public Health shows that some veterans face complex healthcare needs, highlighting the importance of coordinated support across the county.

Jane Jiwa, Projects Director at Veterans Regroup CIC, said:

“It was a pleasure to welcome Andrew George MP to our Armed Forces Hub at Culdrose Community Centre and to show him the impact of the work being delivered locally. Our Armed Forces hubs bring together military, statutory and community organisations so that veterans, serving personnel and their families can access help easily and in one place.”

The visit highlights ongoing work across Cornwall to ensure members of the Armed Forces community can access the help and support available to them.