Overview
At STEPWAY, we provide practical, emotional and social support to veterans and their family members — no matter their background, rank or time served. We also welcome civilians at the LINK Community Hub to promote inclusion and community wellbeing.
We offer a safe and friendly space to talk, take part in activities, build confidence and move forward at your own pace. Our support is available across Worcestershire, the West Midlands, the LINK Community Hub, and through our work in HMP settings.
Self-referrals | GP referrals | Justice referrals | Warm referrals
Welfare and Practical Support
We provide one-to-one support tailored to the needs of each individual or family. This can include help with:
Housing and homelessness
Benefits and financial difficulties
Mental health and wellbeing
Family support
Criminal justice involvement
Referrals to trusted partners
We work closely with Op COURAGE, Op NOVA, Primary Care Networks, local housing teams, and other services to provide warm referrals and wraparound support.
The 7-Step Civilian Skills Program
This is our core support programme, designed to help veterans adjust to civilian life. It focuses on:
- Identity and purpose
- Communication and relationships
- Employment and life skills
- Healthy living and mental health
- Building resilience and positive routines
- Delivered in group sessions or one-to-one, the 7-Step Civilian Skills Program runs across all our sites, including inside HMPs for veterans in cu
HMP Support
We support veterans in custody through our in-reach programme. This includes:
- The 7-Step Civilian Skills Program inside prison
- Pre-release planning and post-release welfare support
- Referrals for housing, employment and mental health
- Working closely with prison staff, Op NOVA and the Probation Service
- Our aim is to reduce reoffending and help veterans rebuild their lives after release
Wellbeing Activities
We offer a wide range of weekly wellbeing sessions across our centres, including:
- Inclusive activities at the LINK for civilians and veterans alike
- Horticultural therapy and gardening
- Art and craft clubs
- Peer discussion groups
- These groups support positive mental health and offer a sense of belonging.
Coffee Mornings & Banter and Brew
We run regular social sessions including:
- Veteran Coffee Mornings every Thursday at the LINK
- Banter and Brew sessions at various locations in the West Midlands
- These sessions are open to all veterans and their families, offering free refreshments, good company and informal support. No appointment is needed — just turn up.
Families First: Strength Pathways
We recognise that families serve too. Our new project supports the families of wounded, injured and sick veterans, offering:
- Emotional and practical support
- Group sessions and drop-ins
- Referrals and signposting
- Activities at all STEPWAY sites
Women Veterans Group (Formally known as Ladies of Leisure)
Support for Female Veterans across Worcestershire and the West Midlands
It is a friendly and welcoming space for female veterans to come together, connect with others who have served, and take part in activities that support wellbeing, confidence and inclusion.
Whether you served for years or just a short time — you are a veteran. You belong here. We see you.
Rob’s Watch: Recognise, Respond, Refer
Rob’s Watch is STEPWAY’s dedicated support service for anyone aged 12+ within the Armed Forces community who may be struggling with their mental health, wellbeing or the impact of military life. Available across the UK, Rob’s Watch provides a safe and understanding place to talk, with access to one to one support, specialised counselling, peer support and practical help. Support can be accessed in person, online or by telephone, so you do not need to live near a STEPWAY centre to ask for help. We also support people living with PTSD, mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), those waiting for NHS or specialist treatment, and members of the Armed Forces community within the justice system. Referrals are now open, whether you need support yourself or are concerned about someone else. You do not have to struggle alone. Recognise. Respond. Refer.
Self-referrals | GP referrals | Justice referrals | Warm referrals
Get in Touch
If you or someone you know would benefit from our support, please contact us or visit one of our centres. We are here to help — with understanding, compassion and no judgement.
