“Veterans Café Brings Community Together for Christmas Celebration and to Address Challenges Faced by Gurkha Heroes”
Hayes, 10 December 2024
The Gurkha Centre hosted its much-loved monthly Veterans Café with a special Christmas-themed event at the Hayes and Harlington Community Centre. The gathering brought together Gurkha veterans, spouses, and widows from Hillingdon, Hounslow, Ealing, and Harrow, offering a festive atmosphere that celebrated camaraderie and community.
The event featured a delicious Christmas lunch, lively conversations, and an opportunity for veterans to share their experiences and raise welfare concerns. The Gurkha Centre’s mission to foster connections and provide vital support was evident in the cheerful spirit and impactful discussions that filled the afternoon.
Event Highlights:
- Veterans Café: A monthly initiative fostering community among British Army veterans, their families, and friends.
- Christmas Celebration: A joyful occasion with festive food and heartfelt greetings.
- Notable Guests: Prominent attendees included Robin Herzberg (Chairman of the London Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee), David Brough (Chair of Hayes Town Partnership), and representatives from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Op Courage NHS.
Key Discussions and Welfare Concerns
Robin Herzberg outlined his role and commitment to addressing veterans’ concerns through his government report, due in April 2025. Key issues raised included:
- Visa Fees: Gurkha veterans expressed frustration over high visa costs, questioning why British veterans are exempt. Suggestions included fee waivers or subsidies for Gurkhas re-entering the UK or for their children visiting from Nepal.
- Housing Challenges: Veterans highlighted the financial strain caused by a gap between housing benefits and rental costs, urging government intervention.
- Language Barriers in Healthcare: The need for translation support to access healthcare services effectively was highlighted. Robin suggested applying for funding to address this issue.
- Technology Solutions: Robin proposed introducing a communication app, akin to the SWIFT system used by the Rifle Regiment, to streamline support for Gurkha veterans.
Community Voices
Several individuals shared their concerns directly with Robin:
- Prithi Narayan Newar: Called for extended leave entitlements for Gurkhas.
- Chun Bahadur Lingden: Highlighted the prohibitive cost of visa applications.
- Tak Bahadur Gurung: Stressed the financial strain caused by inadequate housing benefits and visa fees, urging for government intervention.
Guest Contributions
- David Brough: Chair of Hayes Town Partnership, emphasised his commitment to supporting the growing Gurkha Nepalese community in integrating through education, training, and business opportunities. He also discussed the importance of restoring public trust in local policing, pledging to connect the police with The Gurkha Centre for collaborative efforts.
- Olubunmi Ehinmowo: Armed Forces Champion for DWP, praised the joint working relationship with The Gurkha Centre and assured attendees that veteran-related issues were being addressed.
- Karan Kumar: Consultant from Cherith Simmons Learning & Development LLP, expressed his interest in providing training and job opportunities for Gurkha soldiers, veterans, and their families.
- Holden Jones: Psychology Assistant from Op Courage NHS, highlighted ongoing efforts to provide mental health support and safe space for veterans through a partnership with The Gurkha Centre to offer mental health support and safe spaces for veterans. Contact the Op Courage team.
A Festive Spirit of Unity
The Christmas lunch was a celebration of the Gurkha community’s resilience and togetherness. It also served as a platform for networking and constructive dialogue, ensuring veterans’ voices were heard and their concerns addressed.
The Gurkha Centre extended heartfelt thanks to all attendees and remains steadfast in its mission to enhance the well-being of Gurkha veterans, their families, and the wider community. Events like these exemplify the power of unity, tradition, and shared joy in bringing about meaningful change.
For more information on future events or to support The Gurkha Centre, please visit the Hayes and Harlington Community Centre or contact The Gurkha Centre directly.
