Armed Forces Community HQ CIC

23/06/2026

🔵 Build Your Digital Confidence - FREE Support Available! 🔵
Armed Forces Community HQ (AFCHQ) is offering FREE one-to-one digital skills support for veterans, members, and volunteers in Greater Manchester.

Whether you’re new to technology or looking to boost your confidence, our friendly expert trainers can support you with:

✅ Email & online safety
✅ Smartphones & everyday tech
✅ Accessing NHS & GP services online
✅ Internet skills, spreadsheets & word processing
🗓 Every Tuesday & Friday (30th June - 31st July)
⏰ 10am – 3pm
📍 AFCHQ, Wigan, School Lane, WN1 3SE
💬 Flexible sessions available - choose from one-hour appointments or quick 30-minute support slots to suit your needs.

👥 Delivered in partnership with MadLab, supporting the veteran community across Greater Manchester.

Book your place today by email, telephone or pop into the HQ and speak to reception:

[email protected]
Tel:01942821293

👉 Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out-get in touch and start building your digital confidence!

22/06/2026

‼️Crewe Community Connect Session Notice

Unfortunately, our Community Connect sessions, which usually take place every Wednesday at The Salvation Army, Crewe Corps will be closed for the next two weeks due to renovation work at the venue.

There will be no sessions on Wednesday 24th June and Wednesday 1st July.

We are pleased to let you know that we will be back open on Wednesday 8th July and look forward to welcoming you back.
In the meantime, if you need support, please contact us:

📞 01942 821 293
📧 [email protected]

If you are already working with us, please contact your dedicated Visiting Support Officer directly. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

The Armed Forces HQ Team

19/06/2026

🇬🇧 WIGAN BOROUGH ARMED FORCES WEEK 2026 🇬🇧

Phew... what a week we have lined up across Wigan Borough! 🎖️
From veterans and serving personnel to cadets, families, schools and the wider community, there's something happening every day as we celebrate Armed Forces Week 2026.

🚗 Wednesday 24th June – Mission Motorsport
📍 Three Sisters Circuit
🕙 10:00am – 3:00pm

Kick-start the celebrations with the incredible team from Mission Motorsport, supporting veterans and service leavers through motorsport, recovery and employment opportunities. Come along and see what they're all about at Three Sisters.

⭐ Wednesday 24th June – Wigan Athletic Community Trust NAAFI Evening
📍 The Brick Community Stadium
🕕 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Back by popular demand, the Wigan Athletic Community Trust NAAFI Evening returns with special guest speaker Andy Reid MBE, one of the UK's most inspiring veterans. Join us for an evening of networking, inspiration and Armed Forces community spirit.

🛡️ Wednesday 24th June – Youth Cadet Expo
📍 Wigan Cricket Club
🕕 6:00pm – 8:00pm

The first-ever Wigan Borough Youth Cadet Expo brings together Army, Sea and RAF Cadets alongside Police, Fire and Ambulance Cadets under one roof. Discover cadet opportunities, interactive activities, career pathways and the amazing work our young people are doing across the borough.

🎖️ Friday – Armed Forces Week Special NAAFI Armed Forces Community HQ CIC
Join us for a special Armed Forces Week edition of NAAFI as we continue the celebrations and bring together members of our Armed Forces community from across Wigan Borough.

🇬🇧 Saturday 27th June – Armed Forces Day Parade & Town Centre Celebration

The highlight of the week!
🎖️ Veterans – Join the Parade with Wigan Council
📍 Muster Point: Mesnes Park
🕥 Arrive from: 10:15am
🚶 Parade departs: 10:40am
🏁 Parade finishes: Believe Square (approximately 11:05am)
The parade will travel through Wigan Town Centre, giving everyone the opportunity to proudly show support for our Armed Forces community.

🎉 Armed Forces Day Celebration
📍 Wigan Town Centre
🕥 From 10:30am

Enjoy:
🎵 Live entertainment and performances
🪖 Military displays and demonstrations
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly activities
🤝 Opportunities to meet serving personnel and veterans
🎖️ A chance to celebrate and thank those who serve and have served

Bring your family, friends and colleagues and help us make this year's Armed Forces Day the biggest and best yet.
Let's show Wigan Boroughs support for our Armed Forces community all week long!

🇬🇧🎖️

19/06/2026

🇬🇧 MACCLESFIELD COMMUNITY CONNECT SESSION LAUNCH'S DAY THIS MONDAY 22ND June

Are you a member of the Armed Forces Community and need support, guidance, or simply someone to talk to?

This Monday marks the launch of the Macclesfield Community Connect Session, delivered by Armed Forces HQ in partnership with Cheshire East Council, providing immediate access to advice, support and local services all under one roof.

📍 Macclesfield Town Hall
🕥 10:30am – 12:30pm
📅 Every Monday

Whether you're serving, a veteran, reservist, family member or bereaved member of the Armed Forces community, our team and partners will be on hand to help with:

✅ Housing and accommodation support
✅ Employment, training and career advice
✅ Welfare and financial guidance
✅ Family and relationship support
✅ Social activities and community connections
✅ Addiction and recovery support
✅ Signposting to specialist services

We're proud to be working alongside our fantastic partners:

🤝 The Poppy Factory
🤝 BNI Macclesfield
🤝 NatWest
🤝 Macclesfield Royal British Legion.
🤝DWP

No appointment is needed – simply drop in and speak to the people who can help.

Following the morning session, we are also honoured to be supporting the Armed Forces Week Flag Raising Ceremony outside Macclesfield Town Hall at 2:00pm, where AFCHQ will be sponsoring refreshments for attendees.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with anyone in the Armed Forces community who may benefit from support.

Together, we can ensure no member of our Armed Forces community faces challenges alone.

17/06/2026

We’re looking for a Digital Marketing partner!
Armed Forces Community HQ (AFCHQ) is inviting Expressions of Interest for a 12-month Digital Marketing contract.
Help us grow our reach, share powerful stories, and connect more people in the Armed Forces community to the right support.
📩 To request the EOI pack please email - [email protected]

16/06/2026

What’s on at Armed Forces Community HQ this month!

Take a look at our latest Upcoming Events timetable - there’s something for everyone, from social groups and wellbeing support to family activities and community sessions.

💬 Join a friendly group
🚶‍♂️ Get active with walking sessions
📚 Enjoy reading clubs & creative activities
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family hubs and children’s sessions
🤝 Support groups and drop-ins

Plus, don’t miss our June highlights, including Armed Forces Week events, the Wigan Parade and community gatherings 🇬🇧

📍 Based in Wigan and open to the Armed Forces community and friends - everyone is welcome to get involved.

👉 Check out the timetable in the image for full details and times.

📞 Get in touch if you’d like to know more or just pop along!

16/06/2026

Join Us in Honouring Jimmy Foster

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Jimmy Foster, a proud veteran of the Royal Artillery, a true gentleman, and a dear friend to so many within the Armed Forces community.

Jimmy was a familiar and much-loved figure at the Armed Forces Community HQ Breakfast Club, where his warmth, humour, and friendship touched countless lives. His dedication to the veteran community and his unwavering kindness earned him the respect and affection of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

As we come together to celebrate Jimmy’s remarkable life and service, we invite members of the Armed Forces community, veterans, friends, and supporters to join us in giving him the send-off he so richly deserves.

Funeral Details
📍 St Anne’s Church, Shevington
📅 Friday 19th June
🕙 Funeral Service: 10:00 AM

Standard Bearers
🎖️ Muster from 9:30 AM at St Anne’s Church, Shevington.

Refreshments
☕ Following the service, all are welcome to gather at the Whelley Ex Servicemen’s Club to share memories and celebrate Jimmy’s life.

15/06/2026

‼️ Next Wednesday 24th June as part of AF week the legend that is Andy Reid MBE - Standing Tall Foundation will be attending our special evening NAAFI at The Brick Stadium in partnership with Wigan Athletic Community Trust. Be sure to register before Friday 19th June! If your names not down…. Your not coming in 😉

Connect with your local armed forces community - sign up before Wednesday, 17th June!

Join us for a relaxed and welcoming NAAFI evening on Wednesday 24th June, from 6 pm – 8 pm at Whelan’s Bar!

This is a great opportunity to connect with others from the Armed Forces Community, share experiences, and enjoy a friendly evening together.

Food will be provided, including pie, peas and gravy. If you would like to attend, please complete our expression of interest form 👇
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=2Lo5t9RuK0e-vyv7TXQf_jjN_j7mBC9CqW_3vWuZDU5UNE5UMEI2TTBZVUZYMkVBVVNMRVE5R0syTS4u&route=shorturl

🔵⚪️ | Forces Community HQ CIC | Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

15/06/2026

📣 Calling all adult cadet volunteers can you help Wigan Borough Community First shape services for young people? The voice of the Armed Forces Community is vital, have your say 💬

Remember the Children and Young Peoples Network? It's back! The new 'Children and Young People's Circle' is a second take, and you're more than welcome to come!

This circle is all about what's important to us in the world of supporting young people. Eventually, this circle will develop into a greater thing - and attending will open you up to funding in the future to facilitate this event.

Find out more and attend here:
👉 https://www.tickettailor.com/events/wiganboroughcommunityfirst/2262298