Shaun Davies MP has this morning welcomed a £670,000 funding boost for Telford & Wrekin Council, secured through the Government’s £50 million Operation Valour programme, as part of his ongoing work to ensure Telford’s veterans and their families receive the support they need.
Operation Valour is a national initiative designed to strengthen services for veterans and their families, providing targeted funding to local authorities to improve access to advice, wellbeing services, and recognition for those who have served. Telford has been chosen as one of only a few areas in the West Midlands to receive this funding, highlighting the strength of the local partnership.
The investment will support the expansion of the Christopher Turley Armed Forces Community Hub in Dawley, which opened in October 2025. Delivered in partnership between Telford & Wrekin Council, Great Dawley Town Council and Telford Mind, the Hub already provides vital support, including advice, wellbeing services and a welcoming space for Telford’s Armed Forces community. The funding will allow it to reach even more veterans and their families across Telford.
Shaun has been working closely with local partners and speaking up in Parliament about the needs of Telford’s Armed Forces community. He’s also met with the Veterans Minister and the Defence Secretary to make the case for Telford and make sure the town’s voice is heard. By standing up for veterans and pushing for more support on the ground, he’s helped put Telford firmly on the map in this national programme.
Shaun said: “I’m proud to stand up for Telford and to push for better support for our veterans, so it’s fantastic to see that work help secure this investment for our town. The Christopher Turley Armed Forces Hub is a real lifeline for veterans and their families and in just six months it’s already making a big difference. But we owe our Armed Forces community more than words, we need to back them with action.
“These are men and women who have served our country with courage and sacrifice and it’s only right that we make sure they get the support they need as they transition back to civilian life. This funding is a crucial step, building on the fantastic work already happening at the Hub and helping more people across Telford access the advice, help, and support they deserve. But we won’t stop here; our veterans and their families deserve nothing less than the very best we can provide.”
Cllr Ben Carter, Mayor of Great Dawley Town Council, said: “This is brilliant news and I am very pleased for all involved with the Christopher Turley Armed Forces Hub, this will be brilliant for the area and allow the hub to enhance its support to the armed forces community within Telford.”
Louise Heap, CEO of Telford Mind, said: “We are delighted that the Christopher Turley Armed Forces Hub will receive this vital funding, enabling it to build on its strong foundations and expand the delivery of much needed services to our Armed Forces Community.”
Councillor Lee Carter, Leader of the Council, said: “As a Borough with a strong and proud military connection, it is important that we recognise and respect the service of our veterans, so it is fantastic to hear that our Hub will become one of the first Valour-recognised centre of support, and we are grateful to Shaun Davies MP for his support for our work, and for his support for our local veterans, at a national level.
“This funding will help to build on the wider work already being done to support those in the Borough with an Armed Forces connection, through the Council’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant. This includes the recently launched Homes for Veterans scheme, and support for the Royal British Legion’s ‘Credit Their Service’ campaign, ensuring no veterans are disadvantaged by military compensation when being means‑tested.”
