Join us this April 2025 at the heart of Gloucester City Centre for the Glos-FHub Pop-Up! We’re setting up a vibrant, temporary hub at East Gate Street Shopping Centre to bring together our Armed Forces communities. This is your chance to connect, share, and celebrate with fellow veterans and supporters. Whether you’re looking to network, find support, or simply enjoy the camaraderie, the Glos-FHub Pop-Up is the place to be!
Our mission is clear: to gauge the footfall and usage of the Glos-FHub, paving the way for a permanent support hub in the future. We’re creating a dynamic networking space for organizations dedicated to supporting Armed Forces communities under the Armed Forces Covenant. By fostering connections between local councils, veterans’ groups, and military charities, we’re building a stronger, more integrated support network. Come be a part of this exciting initiative and help shape the future of the Gloucestershire Integrated Forces Strategy (GIFS)!
Schedule & Location
| Over two weeks from 12th to 25th April 2025 | From 10:00am till 3:00pm (15:00) |
Glos-FHub & Partner – GL Communities
A Wrap Around Support from their Staff at the Pheonix Centre an Advice and Resources Centre
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund is providing grants for various initiatives aimed at supporting the armed forces community. These initiatives include English as a Second Language and Employment Support programs, which help individuals improve their language skills and find employment. Additionally, a new mental health support group led by a qualified mental health trainer has been established to provide crucial mental health services. The Jigsaw Charity is also offering specialized support for neurodiverse individuals, while experts in debt advice are available to assist those facing financial difficulties.
Furthermore, the Forces Hub is promoting digital inclusion through basic computer training sessions at the Gloucestershire Longlevens Library. The Models for Heroes Charity has launched a new model-making project in Gloucestershire, which aims to enhance wellbeing and combat social isolation. There are also numerous opportunities for networking meetings, bringing together county and national military charities, community interest companies (CICs), and various support groups to foster collaboration and support within the armed forces community. Given that mental health care is crucial, with 65.4% of adults with serious mental illness receiving treatment[1], these initiatives play a vital role in supporting the wellbeing of the armed forces community.
References
[1] Mental Health By the Numbers – NAMI
Glos-FHub Pop-Up: Voluteering
FHub Basic Computer Training
We are seeking volunteers to assist with various initiatives aimed at supporting the Armed Forces communities in Gloucestershire.
Firstly, we need volunteers for the FHub Action Group. This group will consist of interested individuals and organizations who have the drive and commitment to move this proposal forward. Your involvement will be crucial in ensuring the success of our initiatives.
Training for volunteers will be provided by GL Communities. This training will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively contribute to our efforts.
We also require volunteers for the Action Plan Group and Administration Support. This includes individuals, military charities, veterans breakfast clubs, military charities and associations, and statutory and voluntary services supporting Armed Forces communities. Your support in these areas will help us achieve our goals more efficiently.
Additional Support
Additional support is welcomed in several areas. We need help publicizing the ‘Pop Up Forces Hub’ to raise awareness and attract more participants. Volunteers are also needed for administration tasks, such as recording, producing, and publishing the Post – Pop Up Forces Hub Report.
Moreover, we are looking for volunteers to assist with social activities during the weekends as part of our ‘War Out Reach in Schools’ education project (WORS). This includes transporting and setting up displays, raising awareness of the Forces Hub, and commemorating the Anniversary of the Battle of Imjin River, Korean War 1951, where the Gloucestershire Regiment fought as part of the UN forces.
Lastly, we need volunteers for the Glos-FHub. This involves forming an Action Group to assist in collating information gained by the ‘Pop UP Glos-FHub’, creating the Post ‘Pop Up’ Report, and setting up the permanent county-wide Glos-FHub.
The Gloucestershire Integrated Forces Strategy (GIFS) and the ‘Pop Up Glos-FHub’ are evolving entities that require the input and support of all statutory and voluntary organizations supporting Armed Forces communities in Gloucestershire. Your involvement will be instrumental in driving these initiatives forward and making a positive impact on the community.
Documentation Overview
If you would like a full description of how Gloucestershire Forces Hub and GL Communities is going forward in this new venture of a pop-up then please download a detailed copy here. (PDF)
