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. “
“ 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.
