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One of Birmingham’s historic venues is going to be opening its doors to support the armed forces community from next month.
Chas Mann’s Motorcyles, based in Kings Norton, has been a hub for motorcyle and scooter enthusiasts since it opened its doors in 1949. When the current owner Ian Thompson heard that Help for Heroes was looking for a location for one of its café sessions, he was quick to offer to host them at Chas Mann’s café and venue, known as The Mann Cave.
The Charity is expanding its presence in Birmingham, which is home to around 17,700 veterans. Luke Weston, who is the Community Builder for the charity in the City, is the driving force behind the Charity’s aim to build positive and welcoming communities for veterans and their families. He said, “Over the years, the Charity has supported a number of veterans from Birmingham and the surrounding area. We feel there is more we can do to make ourselves accessible – we've recently launched another café session at the Tesco Springhill store and I’m holding regular drop-in sessions at different locations as well.
17,000 veterans estimated to live in Birmingham.
Source: The Office for Veterans Affairs
“We’re so grateful to Ian for allowing to use his space, as we know that opportunities for veterans to get together across the City have been a bit thin on the ground. The armed forces community has a wealth of skills and experience, so as well as offering the chance to get together for a regular brew, I’ll be looking for opportunities to use their skills, to support building a thriving community. The Mann Cave is a great location for veterans and their families who love their bikes to get together over a shared passion.”
Veterans can sometimes feel they are forgotten by society. And if they’re living with physical injuries, disabilities or mental illness they can become isolated and their mental health can spiral down. The Office for Veterans Affairs and Family Survey (2022) shows that nearly one in three veterans who live in the UK experience loneliness.
The armed forces community has a wealth of skills and experience...I’ll be looking for opportunities to use their skills, to support building a thriving community."
Community Builder - Birmingham
Ian Thompson said, “As the son of a serviceman, I have always been aware of the sacrifice and dedication our military personnel make in defence of our way of life and peace around the world. Many have experienced physical and mental trauma way beyond what most civilians understand.
"Veterans deserve support long after their term in the military. By way of thanks to the veterans, it is a pleasure to contribute to the services that the Charity delivers. By simply opening our doors we are glad to be a small part of the solution.”
By simply opening our doors we are glad to be a small part of the solution.”
Chas Manns Motorcycles
Luke added, “There’s no need to sign up for anything. Veterans and their families can just turn up and say hello, meet with other veterans, and find out about other services that the Charity has to offer, and hopefully get involved in building something positive.”
The cafe sessions at The Mann Cave launch on Friday 3 July, 10am – 12pm and will be held on the first Friday of every month. For more information go to Community Builder - Birmingham