The aim of the hub is to provide a safe, welcoming and accessible space for serving personnel, veterans, reservists and their families, offering support and guidance on a wide range of issues including referrals to specialist 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 2026 and will run as a monthly drop-in service on the second Thursday of every month from 1pm to 4pm. No appointments are necessary.
“ It is a privilege to launch this new initiative for Walsall. Our veterans and military families have given so much to our country, and they deserve real care and respect right here at home. Holding the Gold ERS Award for supporting our Armed Forces is more than a badge of honour - it reflects how deeply we value and support those who serve. “
The Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Alan Fleming QRM
“ Walsall Council remains committed in its support for our local military family. Transitioning to civilian life or navigating complex support systems can be challenging. By partnering with Stepway CIO, this hub will create a reliable, monthly point of contact where service members and their families can access tailored guidance, friendly advice and meaningful connections in a safe environment. “
Councillor Pete Sutton, Armed Forces Champion at Walsall Council
Neil Binder, Regional Coordinator at Stepway CIO, added, "Working in collaboration with Walsall Council to establish this new hub allows us to bring vital face-to-face support directly to those who need it. We are proud to offer a safe, welcoming space where anyone in the Armed Forces community can drop in, feel understood, and access dedicated local support every step of the way."
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.
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 stepway.org(opens in new tab).
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: 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
