08 June 2026 | The Gurkha Centre | Hayes | By Hari Bhandari
The Gurkha Centre was delighted to host another successful Veterans Café on Friday, 29 May 2026, bringing together Gurkha veterans, widows, spouses, community members, and partner organisations for a morning of connection, information sharing, and mutual support.
Our Veterans Café has become an important monthly gathering for the Gurkha community and wider Armed Forces family. Held on the last Friday of every month, the café provides a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space where veterans can meet friends, share experiences, discuss challenges, and access practical advice from organisations committed to supporting the Armed Forces community.
We were particularly pleased to welcome a representative from the NHS Op COURAGE service, who engaged with attendees and shared information about the specialist mental health and wellbeing support available to serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and their families. Opportunities such as these enable beneficiaries to access valuable information and support in a familiar and trusted community setting.
During the session, The Gurkha Centre’s CEO provided an update on recent changes to housing legislation, including key provisions of the Renters’ Rights Act and what these changes may mean for tenants. Attendees benefited from practical information regarding their rights and responsibilities, while also having the opportunity to ask questions and discuss housing-related concerns affecting their families.
The gathering also provided an opportunity to update veterans and community members on The Gurkha Centre’s ongoing campaigns and advocacy work. Meaningful discussions took place regarding the continued pursuit of justice for Gurkha veterans, widows, and their families. Participants shared their experiences and reflected on how collective action, community engagement, and partnership working can help build momentum towards achieving positive change.
Beyond the formal discussions, the café once again demonstrated the importance of social connection. Many attendees enjoyed catching up with friends, strengthening existing relationships, and building new friendships within the veteran community. For some, these gatherings provide an important source of companionship, wellbeing, and belonging.
The Gurkha Centre extends its sincere thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to making the event such a success. We remain committed to ensuring that veterans and their families have access to information, support, friendship, and opportunities to have their voices heard.
Join Us at Our Next Veterans Café – Armed Forces Day Special
We are pleased to announce that our next Veterans Café will take place on Friday, 26 June 2026, from 12:00pm to 2:00pm, at Golden Sip Restaurant, South Harrow.
As this gathering falls during Armed Forces Day Week, we will also take the opportunity to observe Armed Forces Day, paying tribute to the courage, sacrifice and service of all those who have served and continue to serve in the Armed Forces. This special event will provide an opportunity to honour our veterans, remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and celebrate the enduring values of duty, loyalty and comradeship.
The Veterans Café is open to all veterans, serving personnel, family members, community supporters, professionals, businesses and organisations who wish to support the Armed Forces community. Whether you are seeking advice, looking to connect with others, or simply wish to show your appreciation to those who have served, you will be warmly welcomed.
The event offers a unique opportunity for veterans to meet in a safe and supportive environment where they can share stories, discuss issues affecting the community, and access support from a range of partner organisations. Above all, it provides a place where friendships are strengthened and no one needs to feel isolated.
We are expecting attendance from the DWP Armed Forces Champion, charity partners, local businesses and other key stakeholders who work alongside us to improve outcomes for veterans and their families. Representatives from a number of organisations will be available to provide advice, information and signposting.
Refreshments will be provided.
We encourage veterans, widows, spouses, family members, and community supporters to join us as we continue to honour service, strengthen community connections, and work towards a fairer future for Gurkha veterans, widows, and their families.
Event Details
📅 Date: Friday, 26 June 2026
🕙 Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm
📍 Venue: Golden Sip Restaurant, South Harrow
For further information, please contact The Gurkha Centre:
📞 07799 346871
📧 info@thegurkhacentre.org.uk
🌐 www.thegurkhacentre.org.uk
