Military support hub named after late councillor

The Christopher Turley Armed Forces Community Hub in Dawley, Telford, was opened by Sgt Maj Andy Turley on Friday

A new hub to support military personnel, veterans and their families has opened in honour of a former councillor who served in the Army for more than two decades.

The Christopher Turley Armed Forces Community Hub in Dawley, Telford, provides a space for specialist support and signposting, as well as a social environment for people to gather.

Telford and Wrekin Council named the hub in commemoration of Christopher Turley, who died in August 2024 - he served as a councillor for The Nedge from 2011, after 22 years in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps.

His son, Sgt Maj Andy Turley, said: "It's amazing, it's not something he would have expected or wanted, he would have been very humbled".

The hub has been opened in honour of Christopher Turley who served in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps for 22 years

He added that his father had immersed himself in the community after he left the forces in 2004.

"He was involved in lots and lots of community projects...he's been so well received by the community that they've given him this honour.

"What's nice to know is that his name is going to be here for a long time to come."

Sgt Maj Andy Turley said his father would have been "very humbled"

Sgt Maj Turley, who was in the Royal Army Medical Corps, added that the hub was a "one-stop shop" for the military community.

"They're even offering clothes for job interviews, they sort out help with homelessness, with financial issues, mental health issues...they hold various clubs, dances, meals, it's an amazing place. "

Mental health charity, Telford Mind, will also run drop in sessions three days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 to 15:00 GMT.

Peter Heap, former technician in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers says the hub helps veterans chat to "like-minded people"

Peter Heap, a technician in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers for two decades, said: "It's great for veterans like myself who need to talk to like-minded people".

"It's so important to know there are people out there that can support you and listen, who are on the same page as you."

Sgt Maj Turley acknowledged that he had previously struggled to receive mental health support after leaving the military and said it could be "very difficult to adapt to civilian life".

"You're always longing for that military camaraderie, if you can come here [the hub] and get that it can help people massively."