Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs

20/03/2026

So , this happend 7 years ago (19th March 2019)

The Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs ....
( https//:www.afvbc.world ) ... is to this day the only organisation to have the Armed Forces Covenant Bronze Award countersigned in Whitehall, at the MoD building, in person, in the office of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence People and Veterans (then Tobias Ellwood, himself a Veteran who has been known to attend his local AFVBC), alongside the founder of the AFVBC organisation, Dereck Hardman RE

14/12/2025

BECCLES ARMED FORCES & VETERANS BREAKFAST CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY
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The great ‘Navy v Army v RAF Christmas sing off’ during the Beccles Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club Christmas Party was won by……
The Army of course…(or don’t you agree? Comments below!)

It’s not just friends: it runs much deeper than that… it’s TRIBE!

09/12/2025

RESPECT EACH OTHER THIS CHRISTMAS
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The festive season is a time to celebrate the camaraderie that makes our military strong.
As we gather for Christmas parties, let’s remember, celebration should never come at the cost of safety or respect.
Click through the pics to learn more.

25/11/2025

WHY?

Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs' mission statement is simple; end the often accute social isolation of Armed Forces veterans, which is the predominant factor in poor mental health, and sometimes even su***de.

We are not a business or charity; we do not seek money, no one gets paid, we're free to join and attend, so we are not 'in competition' with anyone; none of the military charities; we seek to compliment the fantastic work that they do by offering direct, face to face contact with veterans.

It is a commendable and impactful mission carried out by every club and the volunteers who run them.
The work done by the Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs addresses a critical need within the veteran community by providing a vital peer support network.
By operating as a free, informal (no committees or hierarchy - just friends meeting for breakfast) and non-commercial entity, the clubs effectively remove barriers to participation, making it easier for veterans to connect, share experiences, and support one another in a relaxed and safe environment.
This focus on peer-to-peer support is a powerful tool in promoting mental well-being and preventing crises.

17/11/2025

Details of Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs of North Yorkshire published in the North Yorkshire Armed Forces Covenant Guide
(Page 25)

North Yorkshire & York City Armed Forces Covenant Guide

12/11/2025

“Returning to the tribe” with the Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs (AFVBC) is about reconnecting with the camaraderie, identity, and support that many veterans miss after leaving service. These clubs offer a welcoming space for veterans and serving personnel to gather, share stories, and rebuild bonds over breakfast.

🥓 What Is “Returning to the Tribe”?
• A powerful metaphor used by veterans to describe the feeling of rejoining a community that understands them.
• It reflects the deep sense of belonging and shared experience among those who’ve served in the Armed Forces.
• Many veterans feel isolated after transitioning to civilian life—AFVBCs help them rediscover connection, purpose, and identity.

🍳 What Are Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs?
• Free-to-join informal social clubs where veterans, serving military, reservists, and their families meet regularly for breakfast and banter.
• Started informally in Hull in the 1991, when veterans gathered in a garage for a brew and conversation.
• Now it is a global network with over 500 clubs across the UK and abroad, supporting more than 150,000 members.

💬 Why They Matter
• They combat loneliness and isolation by offering face-to-face interaction in a relaxed setting.
• They provide peer support and shared understanding—veterans often recognise each other instantly and connect through banter and shared stories.
• They help with transitioning to civilian life, offering job opportunities, emotional support, and a sense of routine.

🌍 How to Get Involved
• Visit www.afvbc.world to find a local club or contact them to start your own.
• Clubs are open to veterans, serving personnel, reservists, and dependants.
• Events are informal, welcoming, and often held weekly at local cafés, carveries, public houses or community centers.

🧠 A Message from the Founder
Dereck Hardman, a veteran himself, pioneered the concept in Hull and expanded it globally. His vision was simple: bring veterans together over breakfast to restore the tribe—and it’s changed lives ever since.

If you're a veteran or know someone who is, joining an AFVBC could be a meaningful step toward rediscovering connection and community. Want help finding a club? Sign into the website or get in touch.

04/11/2025

This morning on GB News

04/11/2025

‘Service of my Country’ - Remembrance

14/10/2025

BFBS BIG SALUTE
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Richard Hatch is offering another opportunity for us to further publicise the Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs community on BFBS Radio, and at the same time help:-

‘Veterans Into Logistics’ (HGV Driver training for Veterans)….also..

‘Little Troopers’ – expanding its educational programme supporting service kids in Schools…. also….

‘Horseback UK’ – equine based wellbeing project for Veterans … also….

‘Reading Force’ – helps Military kids and young people with Special needs and disabilities

This is via BFBS’s ‘Big Salute’ – Click link
- https://about.bfbs.com/bfbs-big-salute

They are proposing to ‘auction themselves off’:
Richard and Joe Carden are auctioning Off ‘The Big Salute Big 10 Quiz night’.

He and Joe will organise a quiz in person or an online quiz (depending on your club location) for your club, or Regiment, or Mess.
It could be for a family birthday even…

If you send them a funny voicenote which they will play out between 3-5pm on Thursday saying: (If you can record this today or tomorrow and send it over)

“Hi Rich and Joe… (introduce yourself - tell them what you do etc,.) and what your idea is and how much you’re willing to bid for a one night only Big Salute Big 10 Quiz.

Obviously say something about your club and/or BFBS and why you want to get involved to help, that would be amazing.

28/08/2025

Hello all, have you got your HM Armed Forces veterans ID card yet? if not apply here https://www.gov.uk/veteran-card. you will need a smart phone to download an app to verify your identity and a passport photograph for your card..

Apply for an armed forces veteran card to prove that you served in the UK armed forces.

09/07/2025

Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs…
https://www.afvbc.world

What they do, and why they are important

https://www.boltburdonkemp.co.uk/our-insights/posts/the-venue-kicked-us-out-during-my-first-armed-forces-meet-up-this-is-why-theyre-so-important/

Natasha Mason, solicitor in our Military Claims Team explains why volunteering with her local Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club is important to her and the community in which she lives. I joined the military at 18 – a late starter compared to some – and joining in your late teens/early adul...

28/06/2025

Wishing everyone everywhere a successful National Armed Forces Day
This is Hull City Centre