New Veterans Hub Launches in Huntingdon
[News May 2026]A new community initiative aimed at supporting military veterans across Huntingdonshire has officially launched, offering a welcoming space for former members of the Armed Forces to connect, access support, and combat isolation.
The Huntingdon Veterans Hub, based at the Huntingdon Neurotherapy Centre, was created to foster a stronger sense of community among veterans from all three military services. The project provides affordable hot meals, networking opportunities, and a central point of contact for advice and welfare support. Although the hub has only been operating for two sessions, organisers say it has already highlighted the challenges many veterans face, particularly those living alone or disconnected from support networks.
“Many veterans are dealing with issues that can feel overwhelming and difficult to overcome,” organisers said. “The hub aims to provide a safe and understanding environment where veterans can speak openly with people who understand their experiences and can help direct them to the right support services.”
The project’s goal is to improve wellbeing among the veteran community while also raising the profile of veterans across Huntingdonshire. The initiative has been driven by Huntingdon Neurotherapy Centre Manager Anna Dutton, who is herself the wife of a veteran and 35 year RAF veteran, Bob Bralee, who added “This is an amazing opportunity for Veterans in Huntingdonshire to create a space of our own and support each other, I’m immensely proud to be involved”.
The Huntingdon Neurotherapy Centre, located close to Huntingdon town centre, has played a key role in supporting the project, offering extensive access to its facilities, including a fully equipped kitchen, free onsite parking, conference and interview rooms, a communal meeting area, and outdoor garden space. The centre has also offered veterans access to its hyperbaric chamber at cost price.
Currently, the hub operates every Tuesday between 9am and 2.30pm and is staffed by Anna Dutton and fellow volunteers.
One of the biggest early challenges has been reaching veterans who may not be active on social media or connected to existing veterans’ networks. In response, organisers are planning a wider awareness campaign and future outreach work with veterans’ groups throughout the region. While it remains too early to fully measure the hub’s long-term impact, organisers report that around 10 veterans have attended each session so far.
Two welfare cases involving vulnerable veterans have already been identified and supported. “It’s been a very encouraging start,” organisers said. “As attendance grows, we hope our impact within the veteran community will grow significantly too.” The long-term sustainability of the hub will depend largely on continued community engagement and awareness, but organisers remain optimistic that attendance and support will steadily increase as more veterans learn about the service.
£350 funding from the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Armed Forces Covenant Partnership Community Grant supported the project to launch with funding for equipment including promotional material, refreshments and hosting equipment.
Walking With The Wounded, Veteran Liaison & Support Officer under NHS Op Courage and Royal Artillery Veteran, Marc Hughes, added, “I was very fortunate to be free to attend the inaugural Veterans Hub session at the Huntingdon Neurotherapy Centre and was very encouraged to see how great a facility it is and the obvious enthusiasm of Anna and Bob. I was also very pleased to be part of the assessment panel for the funding and to see that with a modest grant, bags of passion and a first class facility, this new Veterans Hub will provide much needed support, guidance and socialisation opportunities for the veteran community in surrounding areas.”
Tommy Kelly, the Armed Forces Covenant Coordinator for Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, remarked: “It is wonderful to see the Huntingdon Neurotherapy Centre continuing its support for the Armed Forces community after signing the Covenant earlier this year. I look forward to attending and promoting the Veterans Hub in the future. The 2021 Census confirmed that there were 8,164 veterans living in Huntingdonshire, representing 4.5% of the population, above the national average of 3.8%. This suggests the new hub is ideally located to provide valuable support to the local Armed Forces community.”
The Armed Forces Covenant – Community Grant provides funding of up to £350 for projects that support the Armed Forces Community in Cambridgeshire & Peterborough for projects that aim to tackle one or more of the following key areas,
- Projects or opportunities for the community to support each other.
- Help break down barriers to social isolation.
- Offer support to those identified as vulnerable.
- Opportunities to engage in positive activity to improve health and wellbeing.
- Activities focused on supporting older people to take part in their community.
- Youth activities that develop social, creative, and physical skills (over 5 years old).
- Provide activities that support the intervention and prevention of mental ill health.
- Projects that support service personnel and families to develop a sense of belonging within Cambridgeshire & Peterborough.
If you are interested in applying for an Armed Forces Covenant – Community Grant from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Armed Forces Covenant Partnership please contact thomas.kelly@cambridgeshire.gov.uk