Falklands War veteran and passionate advocate for veterans, Paul Bromwell, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the King’s Birthday Honours, for his exceptional services to veterans and vulnerable members of our community.
The former Welsh Guardsman, Paul, who founded the Rhondda-based support group Valley Veterans, was diagnosed with PTSD around 25 years ago. Drawing on his own experiences and training as a veterans’ mental health support mentor, Paul established a safe and supportive environment where local veterans can access mental health support, peer companionship, and practical assistance.
For 15 years, Paul personally financed Valley Veterans, even remortgaging his home to fund vital initiatives such as building stables for equine therapy, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of veterans. In recent years, Valley Veterans has been supported by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and other organisations such as the National Lottery Community Fund, Welsh Church Fund, and Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board.
Recent developments at Valley Veterans include a dedicated nature space for horticultural therapy and weekly breakfast mornings hosted in the Ton Pentre Community Centre, where they welcome over 60 veterans every Thursday for a hot meal, peer companionship, and access to mental health support, employment advocacy, and housing advice. Paul has strengthened these initiatives by establishing links with the charity MIND and NHS Veterans Wales Mental Health Services.
What began as a small initiative over 20 years ago has now transformed into a lifeline for over 140 veterans across Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Reflecting on his recent achievement, Paul Bromwell MBE, Founder of Valley Veterans, said: “This honour is not only for me, but for every veteran who has walked through the doors at Valley Veterans and found hope, healing, and regained a sense of belonging.
“I am deeply humbled and proud of what we have managed to achieve, and very grateful to be awarded an MBE as part of the King’s Birthday Honours this year.”
The following video, created by RFCA for Wales, explains how equine therapy is at the heart of Valley Veterans and Paul Bromwell’s work:
Paul was recently awarded the Community Champion Award 2025 at St David Awards, which took place on March 27, 2025. The Community Champion is intended for people in Wales who have or continue to champion initiatives that improve the lives of people in their local community or communities across Wales.
Additionally, Paul won TWO Welsh Veterans Awards for the Inspiration of the Year Award aimed at recognising veterans who have gone above and beyond by becoming role models for future service leavers, and the award for Welsh Veterans Overall Champion.
Councillor Maureen Webber BEM, Deputy Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Armed Forces Champion, said: “At Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, we take immense pride in celebrating local heroes like Paul. His remarkable achievements with Valley Veterans have made a lasting difference, offering crucial support to veterans, Armed Forces personnel, and local vulnerable people. Receiving an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, as well as his other recent achievements, is a true testament to his unwavering dedication, passion, and the positive impact he has made.
“For years, the Council and myself personally have proudly supported the work of Paul and Valley Veterans, working together to uphold the Armed Forces Covenant and strengthening the wellbeing of our local veterans. Through our Veteran Advice Service, we are committed to providing free information, advice, and assistance to service members, both past and present, ensuring they receive the respect and support they deserve.
“On behalf of everyone at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Paul, his family, friends, and everyone at Valley Veterans. His recognition is truly deserved, and we are incredibly grateful for his continued efforts in championing those who have sacrificed so much for this country.”
The full list of honours can be viewed here.
For further information on Valley Veterans, please contact 07733 896 128 or visit: HOME | Valley Veterans
The latest data shows that there are more than 7,500 armed forces veterans living across Rhondda Cynon Taf. The Council among the first local authorities in Wales to sign the Armed Forces Covenant in 2012, a commitment that was reaffirmed in 2018 and set the mark for the rest of Wales. The covenant symbolises mutual respect between the civilian and Armed Forces communities across the County Borough.
In 2017, the Council received the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award for our continued support of the Armed Forces community. This retained in October 2022 the introduction of the Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Veterans and Reservists in January 2022.
The Council’s Veteran Advice Service has supported over six hundred veterans and family members has through a range of support and assistance. They provide FREE and impartial information, advice, and support to members of the Armed Forces, both past and present.
To speak to dedicated officers in strict confidence, please call 07747 485 619 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm), or email: VeteranService@rctcbc.gov.uk
If you would like to learn more about the Council’s larger commitment to the Armed Forces and veteran community, please visit: RCT Armed Forces Covenant
Posted on 28/07/2025