Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Valley Veterans, who have been honoured with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) – the highest accolade for volunteer groups in the UK, often described as an “MBE for charities.”
Paul Bromwell MBE, a Falklands war veteran and former Welsh Guardsman, founded Valley Veterans 25 years ago. The group began as a self-funded initiative at a time where little support was available for veterans. Paul drew from his own experiences with PTSD and his training as a veterans’ mental health support mentor, to establish a space where veterans could access mental health support and peer companionship.
Paul and his wife, Sian Bromwell, dedicated two decades of personal sacrifice to ensure that local veterans had a place to turn for help and support – self-funding the group for the first 15 years. Their commitment laid the foundation for the charity, which officially became a registered organisation five years ago. They have since 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.
This prestigious award recognises the decades of dedication from Paul, Sian, their family, trustees, volunteers, and the wider community. Together, they have transformed Valley Veterans into a lifeline to those who have served our country – offering care, friendship, and practical support.
Paul Bromwell MBE, founder of Valley Veterans, said: “I am delighted that our group has been awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service. I would like to thank every one of our volunteers, supporters, and veterans who have walked through our doors and contributed to our mission.
What began as a small group to support veterans in our community has grown into a lifeline for so many. To see our work recognised at the highest level is both humbling and rewarding.”
Earlier this year, Paul was awarded an MBE for Outstanding Services to Local Armed Forces and Veteran Communities – a reflection of his tireless efforts to improve the lives of those who served. Under his guidance, Valley Veterans has helped hundreds of veterans rebuild confidence, find community, and access vital services.
Recent developments at Valley Veterans include a dedicated nature space for horticultural therapy and weekly breakfast mornings hosted in the Ton Pentre Community Centre. They welcome over 60 veterans every Thursday for a hot meal and peer companionship, as well as 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. The following video, created by RFCA for Wales, explains how equine therapy is at the heart of Valley Veterans and Paul Bromwell’s work:
For further information on Valley Veterans, please contact 07733 896 128 or visit: Valley Veterans
Councillor Maureen Webber BEM, Deputy Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Armed Forces Champion, said: “We are immensely proud of Valley Veterans and the incredible voluntary work they do for our armed forces community. Receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Service is a true testament to their journey, the challenges they have overcome, and their unwavering commitment to veterans and their families.
“Paul and Sian’s dedication over the past 25 years has been nothing short of inspirational – creating a safe, supportive environment for those who have served our country. I am delighted that they have received this well-deserved recognition, which highlights the power of voluntary service and the positive impact it has on so many lives.
“As a Council, we remain committed to supporting our Armed Forces and veteran community through the Armed Forces Covenant. We work closely with organisations like Valley Veterans to ensure that no one is left behind – whether through housing, employment, or wellbeing support.
“This remarkable achievement reflects Valley Veterans’ dedication to the armed forces community and the difference they continue to make in the lives of those who have served.”
Created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and previously known as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) has been shining a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups from all across the UK for many years.
Equivalent to an MBE, KAVS is the highest Award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life. Find out more: The King's Award for Voluntary Service
The latest data shows there are more than 7,500 armed forces veterans living across Rhondda Cynon Taf. The Council was among the first Welsh local authorities to sign the Armed Forces Covenant in 2012 – a commitment reaffirmed in 2018. 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 – retained in October 2022 after the introduction of the Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Veterans and Reservists in January 2022.
The Council’s Veteran Advice Service offers free, impartial, and dedicated support and assistance for veterans and family their members. To speak to dedicated officers in strict confidence, call 07747 485 619 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm), or email: VeteranService@rctcbc.gov.uk
To learn more about the Council’s larger commitment to the Armed Forces and veteran community, please visit: RCT Armed Forces Covenant
Posted on 19/11/2025