Rhondda Cynon Taf Council takes immense pride in supporting the Armed Forces Community within our county borough.
These vibrant community groups provide a welcoming space for residents of RCT to connect with like-minded individuals, engage in meaningful conversations, and access vital support when needed. Our dedicated Armed Forces Liaison Officer actively participates in these groups, collaborating closely with leaders and community members to ensure their needs are met. Together, we strive to make a positive impact and foster a sense of camaraderie among our valued Armed Forces Community.
Cynon Valley Veteran Group
The Cynon Valley Veteran Group is a community organisation that supports veterans. They meet every Monday at Darran Las Community Centre in Mountain Ash at 10 am. All veterans are welcome to attend, and there is free parking available. Hot drinks and breakfast rolls are available to all members. For further information, please contact: 07960411039.
Taff Ely Veterans Group
The Taff Ely Veterans Group is a welcoming community organisation committed to supporting and fostering camaraderie among veterans in the Taff Ely area. Every Wednesday, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am, the group meets at the Rhydyfelin Community Centre. Attendees can enjoy free parking, hot drinks, and breakfast rolls. Additionally, support is available from the RCT Council Veteran Advice service for those who require it. All members of the Armed Forces community are encouraged to join this inclusive group. For further information, please contact: 07913355911.
Valley Veterans
Valley Veterans is a military veteran-led charity based in the heart of the Rhondda Valley at Ton Pentre. Founded over 10 years ago as an informal support group for PTSD sufferers, Valley Veterans has grown into a vibrant hub with more than 140 active participants. Their current organised activities include a weekly breakfast club hosted every Thursday 10am till 12pm in the Ton Pentre Community Centre, which attracts up to 60 veterans every week. Additionally, they offer daily equine activities at the adjacent yard, with up to a dozen regular participants. For further information, please contact: 07733896128.
https://www.valleyveterans.org/
Woody’s Lodge Veterans Support Hub:
This hub is open every Saturday from 10 am until noon at the Bowls Pavilion in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd. All members of the Armed Forces community are welcome to attend. Woody’s Lodge, established in memory of Royal Marine Paul ‘Woody’ Woodland, provides a social hub where veterans can receive expert support, advice, and connect with friends and family. The vision is to create an inviting meeting space for those who have served within the Armed Forces and Emergency Services. For further information, please contact: 01446 781792.
Armed Forces Support | Woody’s Lodge (woodyslodge.org)
Served and Proud LGBTQ+ Veterans Hub
This support hub in Pontypridd offers a safe space for LGBTQ+ veterans to connect, chat, and enjoy hot drinks and light refreshments. LGBTQ+ members are welcomed once a fortnight on Mondays at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Notably, hub members actively participated in the Lord Etherton review, which examined the treatment of LGBTQ+ veterans during their military service. Additionally, the group proudly joins the Pride Cymru march each year, standing alongside Fighting with Pride. For further information, please contact: 07747485619.
Armed Forces Community Free Monthly lunch
The Councils Armed Forces Team has partnered with the Lighthouse Project Tonyrefail to host a free monthly lunch for members of the Armed Forces Community. This welcoming event takes place at the Tonyrefail Community Centre on the 3rd Thursday of every month, from 1 pm to 3 pm. All members of the Armed Forces Community are invited to join. The menu changes monthly and offers delightful options such as Fish n Chips, Curry rice, and naan bread, along with a variety of desserts. Additionally, the RCT Council Armed Forces Liaison Officer is available to provide advice and support if needed. For further information, please contact: 07503189746.