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Forces Hub members enjoy visit to the home of World War Two codebreakers

A group of military families from Gloucester Forces Hub enjoyed a trip to Bletchley Park thanks to funding from Gloucestershire County Council’s Thriving Communities Grant. 

The Forces Hub is based within GL3 Community Hub in Churchdown, an area which has a higher-than-average number of diverse military personnel and their families. Over 24 nationalities from European and Gurkha Support Battalion with Nepalese families and veterans, are based at nearby Imjin Barracks, Innsworth.  

Funding was used to secure accessible coaches which ensured that members could attend despite any disabilities, with refreshments and lunch also provided. The group enjoyed a conducted tour of the world-famous heritage attraction which includes immersive films, interactive displays, faithfully restored WW2 rooms and exhibitions which tell the story of the once top-secret operation. 

 
veteransThe Forces Hub group meets on the last Thursday of every month and is open to serving and ex-military personnel and their families. It aims to strengthen the networking knowledge of Veterans' groups offering social and welfare support to Veterans in the county. It also provides an accessible venue for all the Armed Forces Communities whether they are still serving, reservists or Veterans, and also for their families (including the multinational units and their families based in Gloucestershire). It works with volunteers and a network of partners to provide support including Churchdown Library, GP Surgery, Gloucestershire Carers Hub, Hungry No More, the DWP Armed Forces Champion, Elaborate and the Stepway Charity which offers a drop-in centre. 

 

As well as the trip to Bletchley Park which was hugely enjoyed by veterans, the £5,500 funding will also support the delivery of a ‘Basic Laptop Skills’ course at GL3 Community Hub, and ‘Wellbeing Matters’ a group which meets monthly at St Johns Church Hall.  

GL3 Community Hub is run by Gloucester Community Network to support local Churchdown residents including the unemployed, over 50s, and people who have disabilities or who are impacted by a mental ill-health condition or isolation. The hub based in Churchdown also welcomes individuals from the surrounding area. 

 For more details please visit Gloucester Community Networking (gloscomnet.org)