Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is proud to congratulate Valley Veterans on receiving the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award 2026 – the highest accolade within the scheme.
Valley Veterans is one of eight Welsh employers named among 162 organisations across the UK to receive the prestigious ERS Gold Award this year. The award recognises organisations that demonstrate exceptional and sustained support for the Armed Forces community, including veterans, Reservists, military families, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and those transitioning from service into civilian life.
Founded by Falklands War veteran and former Welsh Guardsman Paul Bromwell MBE over 25 years ago, Valley Veterans has grown from a self-funded initiative into a vital support network for veterans across Rhondda Cynon Taf. Drawing on his own experiences with PTSD and his training as a veterans’ mental health support mentor, Paul established the group to provide a safe, welcoming and supportive environment where veterans can access mental health support, peer companionship and assistance.
For many years, Paul and his wife, Sian, personally supported the group, helping to build the foundations of what has become such a valuable source of support for veterans and their families. Today, Valley Veterans supports more than 140 veterans across Rhondda Cynon Taf, offering access to wellbeing support, employment advocacy, housing advice and opportunities for peer support.
Highlights include a dedicated nature space for horticultural therapy, horse stables for equine therapy, and weekly breakfast mornings at their base in Ton Pentre Community Centre, where more than 60 veterans come together each Thursday for a hot meal, companionship and practical support.
The ERS Gold Award follows a remarkable period of recognition for Valley Veterans and its founder. Last year, Paul Bromwell was awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for his outstanding services to local Armed Forces and veteran communities, while Valley Veterans was honoured with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service – the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK.
Paul Bromwell MBE, Founder of Valley Veterans, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Valley Veterans has received the Defence ERS Gold Award. This recognition means so much to everyone involved with the group and reflects the commitment of our volunteers, trustees, supporters and partners who work so hard to support veterans and their families.
“Valley Veterans has always been about making sure those who have served know they are not alone. Whether it is through a cup of tea, a hot meal, peer support, advice or simply having somewhere safe to go, we are proud to continue supporting veterans across Rhondda Cynon Taf.”
The following video, courtesy of 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 visit: HOME | Valley Veterans
Councillor Maureen Webber BEM, Deputy Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Armed Forces Champion, said: “On behalf of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and as the Armed Forces Champion, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Paul, Sian and everyone at Valley Veterans on receiving the prestigious ERS Gold Award.
“This is a truly well-deserved achievement and further recognition of the outstanding contribution Valley Veterans continues to make to our Armed Forces community. This group has become a lifeline for many veterans, providing friendship, practical support and a sense of belonging to those who have served our country.
“As a Council, we are incredibly proud to champion organisations like Valley Veterans, whose work reflects the values of the Armed Forces Covenant and helps ensure that veterans and their families receive the respect, care and support they deserve.
“The latest award is a testament to the dedication, compassion and long-term commitment shown by Valley Veterans, and we are delighted to see their work recognised at the highest level.”
The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, now in its twelfth year, continues to celebrate employers and organisations of all sizes and sectors that recognise the skills, experience and values that members of the Armed Forces community bring to the workplace and wider society.
To achieve Gold Award status, employers must demonstrate long-term, proactive support for the Armed Forces community – including forces-friendly HR policies, a minimum of 10 days’ additional paid leave for Reservists, active promotion of the Armed Forces Covenant and support for Defence, and overall commitment that exceeds the scheme’s baseline requirements. Find out more: Defence Employer Recognition Scheme - GOV.UK
Rhondda Cynon Taf is home to more than 7,500 Armed Forces veterans. In 2012, the Council was among the first Welsh local authorities to sign the Armed Forces Covenant, reaffirmed in 2018, symbolising mutual respect between the civilian and Armed Forces communities.
In recognition of its support, the Council received the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award in 2017. The accolade was retained in October 2022 following the introduction of the Council’s Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Veterans and Reservists.
The Council’s new Veteran Advice line offers free, confidential support for veterans and their families. To speak to dedicated officers in strict confidence, call 01443 425 020 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm), or use the online referral form to access support: Veteran Advice Service | Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
For more information on the Council’s wider commitment to the Armed Forces and veteran community, please visit: RCT Armed Forces Covenant
Posted on 29/09/2026