Bromley FC Community Trust honoured for its impact in supporting local veterans’ mental health

Bromley FC Community Trust is celebrating after being named Regional Winner for Bromley and receiving the Partnership Award at the Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards 2025, held at the Ashford International Hotel on Friday 24 October.

The awards, organised by Mind in Bexley and East Kent, celebrate individuals and organisations across Kent, Medway, Bexley and Bromley who make outstanding contributions to mental health, kindness and wellbeing.

The Trust’s Veterans Hub was recognised for its lasting impact on the mental health of local veterans. The Hub provides regular opportunities for ex-service personnel to connect, share experiences and find support through football and community activity.

Founded and led by Graham Orr, Chair of Trustees at Bromley FC Community Trust, the Veterans Hub was praised for reducing isolation and fostering a renewed sense of camaraderie and belonging among veterans in the community.

Jeff Hutton, Chief Executive of Bromley FC Community Trust, said: “We are incredibly proud that our Veterans Hub has been recognised in this way. The sessions provide a vital space for conversation, connection and camaraderie, and are a reminder of the role football can play in supporting mental wellbeing and tackling isolation.

This award is a credit to our team, volunteers and the veterans themselves who make the Hub such a special community. It would not have been possible without the support and backing of our Chairman, Robin Stanton-Gleaves, who has championed this work from the very beginning.”

Graham Orr, Chair of Trustees at Bromley FC Community Trust, added: “No matter how many years our veterans have left their respective services, they still miss and cherish the camaraderie they enjoyed. Our Hub has helped recreate a little bit of this magic and to see everyone together, with that old glint in their eyes, is a sight to behold.

As a veteran myself, I can so relate to all of this, and the rewards are absolutely immeasurable.

We were joined on our special evening by Nikki Ward, our RAF Benevolent Fund partner. Nikki also won two awards herself, and the unwavering support she has given our RAF veterans through the Community Hub makes this no surprise to anyone who knows her.”

The Veterans Hub runs on the last Friday of every month from 11am to 1pm at Bromley Football Club and is open to all service and ex-service personnel. Free hot drinks and a hot butty are provided, and there is no need to book in advance – simply turn up and join in.

For any questions, please email community@bromleyfc.org or call us on 020 3668 5809 to find out more.

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