Hounslow Council hosted a Veterans' Café to help residents who served in the Armed Forces come together to meet old friends and make new ones.

The event was hosted at Southville Community Centre, on Friday 19 January. 54 people attended Hounslow Council's third veterans' café event since its commitment to honour the Armed Forces Covenant, last summer.

In addition to the social element, the council is keen to support and signpost help available for veterans.

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 people who have served in the Armed Forces.

Councillor Ajmer Grewal, Cabinet Member for Safety and Regulatory Services, hosted the Veterans' Café, 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."

Councillor Ajmer Grewal with Chelsea Pensioner at one of Hounslow Council's Veterans' Cafe event (credit: Hounslow Council).

Upcoming Veterans' café events across the borough:

• Southville Community Centre, Bedfont: 9 February, 10am to 12.30pm.
• Isleworth Royal British Legion: 13 February, 6pm to 8.30pm.
• Southville Community Centre, Bedfont: 23 February, 10am to 12.30pm.
• Isleworth Royal British Legion: 24 February, 10am to 12.30pm.
• Café at Chiswick House and Gardens: 6 March, 2pm to 4pm

Hounslow residents who have served in the Armed Forces can email to find out about and confirm their attendance at future events [email protected]

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