Veterans Café Launches in Hayes with Strong Community Support and Exciting Future Collaborations
Hayes, London – 27 September 2024
The Veterans Café made a heartwarming debut at the Hayes and Harlington Community Centre today, with Gurkha veterans, their families, and local supporters coming together to celebrate the launch of this vital new space for Armed Forces veterans in West London.
An initiative by The Gurkha Centre, the Veterans Café is designed to create a safe, welcoming environment where veterans and their families can relax, connect, and share their experiences. Initially hosting monthly meetups, with plans to increase frequency, the café offers a much-needed support network for veterans within their community. The launch coincided with the global celebration of World Momo Day, adding a cultural touch to the event.
Attendees were treated to authentic Nepali cuisine, including momos and achar, prepared by Binod Baral, affectionately known as the “Momo King” and a goodwill ambassador of The Gurkha Centre. The delicious food brought comfort to the veterans and their families, enhancing the sense of camaraderie at the event.
David Brough, Chair of Hayes Town Partnership, delivered a heartfelt speech, extending his best wishes to The Gurkha Centre. As a steadfast supporter of the Gurkha community, David highlighted his work in securing a dedicated cemetery for Gurkha veterans in Hillingdon and shared his personal connection to Nepal through his mountaineering experiences. His ongoing commitment to supporting the Gurkha community was warmly appreciated by the audience.
Tim Riley, Psychological Therapist and Peer/Veteran Charity Engagement Lead from Op COURAGE, celebrated the event’s success, remarking:
“The Veterans Café Launch and World Momo Day Celebration went really well, with Op COURAGE picking up a new referral of a Gurkha veteran who we hope to assist moving forward. We are excited to work closely with The Gurkha Centre at the Veterans Café, making Op COURAGE more accessible to the veterans in the area.”
Op COURAGE provides holistic support to veterans, assisting with mental and physical health, finances, housing, and employment opportunities. The collaboration with The Gurkha Centre ensures that veterans have easier access to these essential services.
Bhim Tamang, CEO of The Gurkha Centre and a former Gurkha veteran himself, expressed his gratitude to the guests who attended despite the challenging weather. Drawing on his experience as a practicing social worker, Bhim emphasized how spaces like the Veterans Café can play a crucial role in helping to maintain the overall well-being of Armed Forces veterans. He highlighted that the café aims to combat social isolation, foster peer support, and promote social integration for veterans in West London and beyond.
Looking ahead, Bhim shared his vision for expanding the Veterans Café to other areas in West London, including Harrow, Hounslow, and Ealing. These locations will continue to provide veterans with a meeting point to foster camaraderie, build stronger connections, and support one another.
The event was a resounding success, thanks to the dedication of The Gurkha Centre team and the enthusiastic participation of the local community. Plans for further expansion reflect the growing need for spaces where veterans can find support, connection, and a sense of belonging.
For more information on upcoming events and the Veterans Café expansion plans, please visit The Gurkha Centre’s website: https://thegurkhacentre.org.uk
