Armed Forces community
New Armed Forces Hub launches to support the armed forces community in Walsall
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A new Armed Forces hub was launched in Walsall on Wednesday 23 September 2026, reaffirming Walsall Council’s ongoing commitment to the military community.
Located at the ground floor of Lichfield Street hub Library, the hub offers a safe, welcoming, and accessible space where serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and their families can receive guidance on a variety of issues and connect directly with specialist support services.
Delivered in partnership with Stepway CIO, a military charity dedicated to supporting the entire armed forces community, the hub will be open to public on 8 October and will run as a monthly drop-in service on the second Thursday of every month from 1pm to 4pm. No appointments are needed.
The Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Alan Fleming QRM, officially launched the hub. Key attendees were Councillor Elaine Williams, Leader of Walsall Council, Councillor Pete Sutton, the council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Stuart Chapman, Portfolio Holder for Housing Support, Resident Access, over 50 key partners, charities and senior council officers.
“ It was a great honour to launch this new initiative for our borough. Our veterans and military families have given so much to our country, and they deserve all the support. This hub is a good way to provide all the friendly support and guidance and I encourage anyone in the Armed Forces Community to come along and get any support they may need. “
“ Walsall Council is proud to join forces with Stepway CIO to support our local military family. Serving our country brings different challenges and demands, and this hub will be creating a reliable point of contact where service members, veterans, and their families accessed tailored guidance, friendly advice, and meaningful connections in a safe environment. “
The Mayor of Walsall with uniformed men
Karl Pemberton and Neil Binder, Regional Co-ordinator Stepway CIO
Neil Binder, Regional Co-ordinator Stepway, Irene Ramdehal, Walsall Armed Forces lead, Dawn Turner founder and CEO Stepway and Kevin McCann, Stepway trustee
Event posters
Accessing services
The Mayor of Walsall
The Mayor speaking to uniformed men and women
The Mayor, Leader of Walsall, Deputy Leader, uniformed men and women and council officers
“ We are proud to partner with Walsall Council to make support easier to access for the Armed Forces Community, covering everything from mental health, social isolation, housing and employment to the transition from military to civilian life. Too often, people wait until crisis point or get passed from service to service. 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. “
In July 2026, Walsall Council was awarded the prestigious Gold Award in the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). The award recognised the council’s long-term commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, including reservists, veterans and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.
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Notes to Editors
For more information, visit the council’s website at: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/newsroom/walsall-council-strikes-gold-ministry-defence-armed-forces-award
To find out more regarding the Armed Forces Hub and ongoing support initiatives, visit the Walsall Council website or learn more about Stepway CIO's family support services at https://www.stepway.org/
About Walsall Council’s Armed Forces Support
Walsall Council is dedicated to ensuring that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated with fairness and respect. Through local initiatives, policy changes, and community events, the council works to eliminate disadvantage and provide robust support networks for the military community across the borough. For more information, advice and support, visit the council’s website at: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/people-and-communities/community-standards-and-strategies/help-armed-forces-community
About the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS)
The Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. The scheme encompasses Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate, or advocate support to defence and the Armed Forces community, aligning their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
For the full list of employers who won the Gold ERS Award, visit the Ministry of Defence website: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/162-employers-across-the-uk-recognised-for-going-above-and-beyond-for-the-armed-forces-community
For more information on the DERS Recognition Scheme, visit: Defence Employer Recognition Scheme - GOV.UK
