New Armed Forces Hub Launches in Penzance & Mobile Dental Care Pilot for Veterans Across Cornwall

The Veterans Regroup Project, managed by Smart Savings CIC is proud to announce the launch of a new, monthly Armed Forces Hub in Penzance, starting on Wednesday, 27 August at Penzance and Newlyn RFC from 13:30 to 15:30. This additional hub brings Cornwall’s total number of Armed Forces hubs to six, with locations in Penzance, Helston, Redruth, Newquay, Bodmin and Liskeard.

These hubs provide welcoming spaces for veterans, serving personnel, reservists, operationally qualified seafarers, and their families to connect, enjoy free refreshments and a chat, and access information and advice from a wide range of local and national support organisations.

The Penzance hub launch also introduces an exciting pilot in collaboration with Smile Together Dental CIC. From October 2025, military veterans will be able to book dental appointments via the hubs, improving access to essential dental care and reducing barriers, particularly for those living in rural parts of Cornwall.

This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The funding was allocated through Cornwall Council’s Community Levelling Up Programme which is part of the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme. Additional funding support from the Veterans’ Foundation and The National Lottery Community Fund have been instrumental in making this vital work possible.

There are an estimated 39,000 military veterans living in Cornwall, and including their families, the Armed Forces community represents around 10% of the local population. Many face challenges such as debt, mental health issues, housing difficulties, substance misuse, unemployment, and social isolation.

Jane Jiwa, Projects Director of the Veterans Regroup Project and Smart Savings CIC, added:
“Thanks to the generous support of our funders, we’ve expanded our Armed Forces hubs to six locations across Cornwall and introduced free transport to make them easier to access. Working alongside more than 30 military charities and organisations, our hubs provide a welcoming one-stop space for friendly, practical support, as well as a safe place to connect, volunteer, and take part in community activities. We’re also delighted to share a new collaboration with Smile Together Dental CIC, which from October will give veterans improved access to essential dental care.”

Paul Mouncher, who served 28 years in the Royal Navy and is the new Community Hub & Volunteer Coordinator, said:
“When I left service, after joining as a teenager, I did not know where or who to turn to for advice and support for even the most basic things. Nobody explains about the waiting lists for doctors, dentists, housing, and a whole host of other issues service personnel take for granted whilst serving. With no support, most veterans don’t realise the help and support that is available to them and simply become disengaged from daily life. The hubs have proved to be pivotal in bringing together the military community and support agencies and charities resulting in direct support without the need for lengthy sign posting and as a one stop shop means they can get support and resolve many of their issues in one visit.”

More than 30 organisations regularly support and attend the hubs across Cornwall, including RNAS Culdrose, RAF St Mawgan, Cornwall Council Housing, Walking With The Wounded, With You, Help for Heroes, Op Courage (NHS), Smile Together Dental CIC, Healthy Cornwall, Department for Work and Pensions, Defence Business Services (Veterans UK), South West Water, Fighting With Pride, Active Plus, Royal British Legion, Aggie Weston’s, Royal Naval Benevolent Trust (RNBT), Forces Employment Charity, and EPIC Gigability.

About Smart Savings CIC and the Veterans Regroup Project:

Smart Savings CIC is a charitable organisation that has supported the Armed Forces Community since 2012 and launched the Veterans Regroup Project in 2020. A signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and a member of ASDIC and Cobseo, Smart Savings CIC is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office, and a member of Advice UK. The organisation provides a free service to veterans, reservists, serving personnel, operationally qualified seafarers, and their immediate families in Cornwall. Services include hosting multi-agency Armed Forces hubs, offering money and debt advice, health and wellbeing activities, and social events across the county.