Veterans offered extra support with £670k boost

A funding boost is set to support army veterans, serving personnel and their families across Telford and Wrekin.

The local council has been awarded £670,709 from the Office for Veterans' Affairs.

It will be used to expand services at the Christopher Turley Armed Forces Community Hub in Dawley, which offers advice and assistance to the armed forces community.

The new funding will allow it to extend its opening hours, offer more face-to-face support and widen access to services covering housing, health and wellbeing, welfare, employment and skills.

Telford and Wrekin Council named the hub in commemoration of Christopher Turley, who died in August 2024. He served as a councillor for The Nedge from 2011, after 22 years in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps.

The council said the investment would create "a lasting legacy" of support.

Council leader Lee Carter said the borough had a "strong and proud military connection".

Louise Heap, chief executive of Telford Mind, which helped create the hub, said she was "delighted" it would receive support under the Ministry of Defence's Valour programme.

Ben Carter, mayor of Great Dawley, said it was "brilliant news" for the area.

Councillor Paul Davis, the council's cabinet member for the armed forces, said: "This announcement further reinforces the council's long‑standing commitment to supporting our armed forces community and leading by example in championing armed forces‑friendly policies."

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