Bromley FC Community Trust is proud to announce the launch of Veterans Connect, a new community outreach initiative supporting Armed Forces veterans living in care homes and residential settings across the London Borough of Bromley.

The project has been made possible thanks to funding from the Bromley Innovation Fund. The Innovation Fund is a programme financed by Bromley Council and NHS South East London Integrated Care Board (ICB) to provide funding opportunity for voluntary, community, and not-for-profit organisations based or operating in the borough for the benefit of Bromley residents.

Veterans Connect will identify and support veterans who may be experiencing loneliness, isolation or reduced connection to the Armed Forces community. Through regular visits, small group activities, signposting and peer support, the programme aims to reconnect veterans with the camaraderie, identity and support networks they valued during service.

The initiative forms part of Bromley FC Community Trust’s growing veterans programme, which already includes its successful monthly Veterans Hub hosted at Bromley FC, bringing together veterans, Armed Forces charities and local support organisations.

The idea for Veterans Connect was inspired by the Trust’s existing work with residents at Foxbridge House Care Home and conversations with veterans, care staff and partners who recognised that many former servicemen and women living in care settings can become disconnected from wider support services and social opportunities.

The project will also explore opportunities for veterans already engaged with the Trust’s Veterans Hub to support the programme through volunteering, befriending and peer support roles.

Graham Orr, Navy veteran, Chair of Trustees at Bromley FC Community Trust and the volunteer who helped establish the Trust’s Veterans Hub back in 2024, said:

“I’m incredibly excited about this initiative, which brings together all of the veterans work we have been building across the Trust over recent years. From our Veterans Hub at Bromley FC, to our Bromley FC Veterans football team supporting younger veterans across the borough, and now Veterans Connect, which will help reconnect veterans living in local care homes with the wider veterans community.

The opportunity for veterans to support and befriend one another through this project will create a huge sense of purpose and meaningful two-way connection for everyone involved.

Over recent years we have seen first-hand the positive impact that connection, routine and community can have on veterans’ wellbeing. Veterans Connect is a natural next step in that journey and reflects the Trust’s wider commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community across Bromley. We are extremely grateful to the Innovation Fund and its partners for recognising the value and potential of this work.”

Jeff Hutton, Chief Executive of Bromley FC Community Trust, added:

“Veterans Connect represents an exciting next step in our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community across Bromley and reaching veterans who may otherwise become disconnected from support and social connection.

The project is also a reflection of the incredible work Graham has led through our Veterans Hub and wider veterans programme over recent years, helping create a genuine sense of connection and belonging for veterans across the borough.

We are extremely grateful to the Bromley Innovation Fund, the London Borough of Bromley, NHS South East London ICB and all partners involved for recognising the value of this work and helping make Veterans Connect possible.”

The programme will begin delivery in Summer 2026.

For more information about Veterans Connect or Bromley FC Community Trust’s veterans work, please contact us via email veterans@bromleyfc.org or call 020 3668 5809.

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