About Sopwith Veterans Hub

Supporting Those Who Served – Building Better Futures

Sopwith Veterans Hub (formerly Veterans Garage) is a community-led social enterprise dedicated to supporting veterans, serving personnel, former members of the emergency services, and their families.

Founded to tackle the growing challenges of poor mental health, social isolation and unemployment within the armed forces community, our organisation has evolved into a modern support hub that focuses on wellbeing, training, employment and community.

Today, our mission is simple:

To help those who have served regain confidence, reconnect with others and build brighter futures through practical support, training and employment opportunities.

Our Story

Our journey began as the Veterans Garage a Veterans Military and Emergency Service Organisation, with an ambitious vision to transform a former terminal building into a centre where veterans could develop new skills, improve their wellbeing and prepare for civilian employment.

Before that vision could become a reality, we experienced the heartbreaking loss of two beneficiaries to suicide. Those tragedies reinforced the urgent need for immediate support and prompted us to establish what became Veterans Garage—a welcoming, safe place where people could find friendship, guidance and practical help.

With support from organisations including Combat Stress, the hub quickly became a meeting place for members of the armed forces and emergency services community. Over time, we welcomed groups and activities involving the Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes, Combat Stress, Walking With The Wounded, and the NHS Veterans’ Mental Health Service, helping create a trusted community where no one had to face life’s challenges alone.

The hub grew into a vibrant community space featuring a café, social area, pool table, arcade games and regular activities designed to reduce loneliness, improve wellbeing and help people successfully transition from military or emergency service life.

As our community expanded, so did our purpose. We became an inclusive social enterprise supporting personnel from the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, and the North West Ambulance Service.

Our New Direction

Following the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, we took the opportunity to rethink how we could make an even greater impact.

Today, Sopwith Veterans Hub is focused on creating long-term opportunities rather than short-term support.

Working alongside Sopwith Coffee Company, our social enterprise, we are developing pathways into employment, self-employment and skills development while continuing to provide wellbeing support for those who need it.

Our aim is to create welcoming community hubs where veterans and emergency services personnel can:

• Access wellbeing support
• Reduce social isolation
• Learn new digital and IT skills
• Receive free benefits and legal guidance
• Develop employability skills
• Train for new careers
• Access volunteering opportunities
• Progress into paid employment through our social enterprise

Every cup of coffee sold through Sopwith Coffee Company helps support our wider mission of improving lives and creating opportunities for those who have served.

How We Can Help

We provide support and signposting across a wide range of areas, including:

• Mental wellbeing
• Tackling social isolation
• Benefits and welfare advice
• Legal guidance
• Employment and careers
• IT and digital skills training
• Education and accredited courses
• Housing support
• Health and wellbeing
• Sports and community activities
• Volunteering opportunities
• Routes into employment through Sopwith Coffee Company

Join Our Community

Whether you served in the Armed Forces, worked in the emergency services, are currently serving, or are a family member looking for support, you will always receive a warm welcome at Sopwith Veterans Hub.

Together, we are building a stronger, more connected community where no one has to face life’s challenges alone.

If you would like to become involved, attend one of our activities or access support, please get in touch. We can introduce you to our growing community and direct you to the services, opportunities and support that are right for you.

Together we honour service, restore confidence and create opportunities for the future.