Veterans come together again at NPH second event

Published On: December 5, 2025By Emma Matthews

We proudly hosted our second Veterans’ Lunch on the 26th November in Duston, following the success of the first event earlier this year. The lunch brought together local veterans for an afternoon of good food, conversation and access to vital support services.

The event was designed to strengthen community ties and ensure veterans know about the help available to them. It’s organised by staff from our Support Team who were joined by NPH CEO, Steve Feast, and Director of Resources, Julian Beaney. Representatives from OP Courage and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) were also on hand to answer questions and provide guidance.

Paul Izod from OP Courage highlighted the importance of these gatherings:

“Events like this are a great opportunity to let people know what help is available. There’s new mental health support now, and we really want to encourage veterans to engage with our service so we can signpost them to other support too, whether that’s help with PTSD or therapy around trauma. It’s important to share this message because for so long, the kind of support that’s available today simply didn’t exist.”

For many attendees, the event was more than just a meal, it was a chance to connect. Dickson, a veteran and NPH resident, shared his experience:

“This event gives me the chance to meet fellow veterans and talk with people who understand. I could ask questions directly to staff from OP Courage and the DWP, which was really helpful. I’d definitely encourage others to come along and 100% recommend the event.”

Why these events matter

According to the 2021 Census, there are around 12,500 veterans living in West Northamptonshire. Across England and Wales, veterans make up 3.8% of adults aged 16 and over, with over 1.85 million people having served in the UK Armed Forces. These figures highlight the importance of creating spaces where veterans can access tailored support and feel part of a community. [Source: www.ons.gov.uk]

NPH plans to continue hosting these events to ensure veterans feel supported and connected. Keep an eye on our website and social channels for details of the next lunch. You can also take a look at the NPH events calendar to view what else is going on as part of our extensive programme of events.

Find support here

Find out more about the support available to veterans or those serving in the armed forces here:

Armed Forces Covenant Northamptonshire
The Armed Forces Covenant Northamptonshire provides information and advice on support available within the county for the Armed Forces community and their families.

Web: www.afcnorthamptonshire.co.uk
Email: convenant.ncc@westnorthants.gov.uk
Phone: 07741 684647