Our story begins with community.
Responding to Real Need
Armed Forces Community HQ (formerly Wigan Borough Armed Forces Community HQ) was born out of necessity — a direct response to the overwhelming demand for a safe, welcoming space for veterans, serving personnel, their families, and carers in Wigan.
Since opening our doors in 2018, we’ve worked tirelessly to meet the needs of our Armed Forces community. With an estimated 22,000 members of the Armed Forces community in the borough alone, we saw the urgent need for a place where people could feel seen, supported, and connected.
With an open-door policy and a peer-led approach, our centre quickly became a trusted hub for conversation, connection, and care.
In partnership with Wigan Council, we led the *Tackling Serious Stress in Veterans, Families and Carers* programme from 2019 to 2021 — the first major funding we received from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. This was a pivotal moment in our journey, laying the foundations for the trauma-informed, holistic, wraparound support model we deliver today. The success of this programme confirmed the scale of local need and gave us the momentum to grow.
Since then, we’ve expanded our work through a range of national and regional initiatives, including the *Veterans’ Places, Pathways and People (VPPP)* programme, *Reducing Veteran Homelessness*, and *Thrive Together.* These projects have helped us build on our original model — extending our reach, deepening our impact, and strengthening support for the Armed Forces community across the North West.
Our work has grown, but our mission remains rooted in those early days — to listen, respond, and stand beside the Armed Forces community with empathy, integrity, and action.
What We Stand For
Mission
To empower the Armed Forces community by creating safe, inclusive spaces where individuals can connect, heal, and thrive. We unite people through meaningful relationships, promote wellbeing, and open pathways to support, opportunity, and lasting positive change
Vision
A thriving, connected and respected Armed Forces community where every individual has the support, tools, and opportunities to live a healthy, secure, and fulfilling life, today and for generations to come.
Honouring Our Roots
Our HQ in Wigan, Molyneux House is named in honour of Royal Navy Submarine Officer Lt Cdr Ian Molyneux GM RN, who tragically lost his life aboard HMS Astute in April 2011. His actions that day earned him the George Medal for extraordinary bravery and selfless commitment. His medal citation read “His actions were incalculably brave and were carried out in the highest possible service traditions of courage and selfless commitment”.
Gillian Molyneux, his wife and one of our founding members, continues to be a guiding force in our journey. We carry Ian’s legacy in all we do — a reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and strength that lives within our community.
Core Values
Proud to Serve Those Who Served
We’re honoured to hold the Gold Employer Recognition Scheme Award, alongside Silver and Bronze, in recognition of our commitment to employing and empowering members of the Armed Forces community.
We give thanks to the team at Defence Relationship Management for their continued support and joint working to provide amazing employment and volunteering opportunities to our Armed Forces community.
Ready to take the first step?
Hope starts here. Whether you’re looking for support, connection or a new purpose, we’re here to help.